In this edition of the Masterclasses in Managerial Excellence, we addressed an essential topic for managers: team motivation. This theme is crucially important as it is directly linked to performance, productivity, and employee well-being. In an ever-evolving professional environment, companies must rethink their strategies to maintain a high level of motivation within their teams. How can we create a stimulating work environment? What levers should be activated to foster engagement?
To answer these questions and shed light on this complex topic, we had the honor of welcoming Roland Massenet, CEO and expert in business transformation.
Why Motivation, and Not Engagement?
According to Roland, the term “engagement” is often overused and can be confusing. On one hand, it refers to physical engagement, as in a rugby scrum, and on the other hand, it can refer to moral engagement, which is noble but often difficult to translate into concrete actions. Thus, Massenet prefers to talk about motivation, a term derived from the Latin motivus, meaning “to set in motion”. Indeed, motivation translates into an energy that drives action and transformation.
Motivation: A Measurable Lever for Productivity
Roland reminds us that motivation has a direct impact on productivity. He cites a study analyzing the effect of the Olympic Games on the performance of host countries, which win an average of 28% more medals. This positive effect persists even beyond the two subsequent Olympics. In business, this example demonstrates that without additional financial investment, but by mobilizing teams, one can achieve an improvement of about 30% in performance.
The impacts of motivation are multiple and measurable:
- Productivity: A motivated team is more performant.
- Talent Retention: Motivation promotes employee loyalty, a crucial issue at a time when talents are often in search of meaning and new experiences.
- Mental Health: Motivation directly influences employee well-being, both mentally and physically.
Transformation: A Challenge for Motivation
According to Roland, transformations in companies are terrifying for the human mind, as they awaken cognitive biases such as the endowment effect, which pushes us to overvalue what we possess, and the effort justification effect, persuading us that our current situation is the best.
Faced with these obstacles, managers play a key role. However, they often find themselves trapped in administrative processes and operational responsibilities, losing their role as coach and motivator. Moreover, with the rise of remote work, the sense of belonging and trust has become fragile. How, under these conditions, can one truly motivate their teams?
Two Key Actions for Motivation
- Release the Brake: This involves removing obstacles that prevent the team from moving forward, such as excessive procedures or fear of failure.
- Press the Accelerator: Create positive energy within the team by focusing on well-identified motivation levers.
Building Sustainable Motivation Levers
According to Roland, to successfully mobilize teams, a personalized approach adapted to each individual is necessary. He distinguishes three types of intrinsic motivations:
- Transactional Motivation: Based on the exchange of “work for remuneration”. It is important but insufficient if it remains the only lever.
- Social Motivation: The pleasure of being part of a team and contributing to collective success.
- Aspirational Motivation: The quest for meaning and a sense of accomplishment.
Putting the Manager Back at the Center of the Game
To motivate teams sustainably, Roland advocates putting the proximity manager back at the center. They must be equipped with appropriate tools and trained in best practices to create a stimulating and engaging environment. This involves:
- Giving managers back the means to fulfill their mission as a coach and leader.
- Use gamification tools to animate and drive performance in a motivating and accessible way.
Roland Massenet’s Advice
For those who wish to delve deeper into the subject, Roland recommended some reference books:
- “The Company, a Matter of Heart” by Hubert Jolivet.
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.
In conclusion, motivation is a powerful and complex lever that requires a thoughtful and adaptable approach. The key lies in the manager’s ability to mobilize and inspire their teams while remaining attentive to their needs and aspirations. It is this alchemy that allows companies to transform challenges into opportunities and achieve unparalleled levels of performance.
Don’t miss our next Masterclass!