Performance = Ability + Motivation

By: Stefanie Poteet

Performance = Ability + Motivation
The book states, "that in our growing and competitive world, we need more people who will perform above and beyond the minimum that is required." Motivation is the key to making this happen. Motivation is a personal, individualized action, but as a leader, you can affect motivation by creating an environment that encourages the people to engage in their work with focus, dedication and energy.

Ability, Motivation and Performance
3 sources of Ability:

1. Aptitude - the combination of skills, talent, and intelligence.

2. Training - the development efforts used to assure the leader that skills are always evolving and relevant.

3. Resources - a way to make sure that the people have the human, technological, and financial support that they need to do their jobs well.

A key lesson for emerging leaders is to assess and make sure you have the right people doing the right roles. Also known as "the perfect job-fit". The leader can also adjust aspects of the job to enhance the talents of the people. This is known as "job shaping". Another lesson to learn is to keep offering developmental opportunities so that the people are growing and learning. And lastly, as a leader you must learn to secure the resources needed to maximize performance.

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Since we have discussed ability, now we must focus on the motivation side of the equation.

3 sources of motivation -

1. Direction - the leader can assure direction through the agenda that is set and the expectations conveyed.

2. Energy - the leader can help their team pursue the tasks with energy by providing physical and psychological support through rewards for meeting expectations.

3. Persistence - the leader can encourage persistence by offering understanding and genuine concern, removing barriers, and demonstrating an optimistic and resilient attitude.

Ability + Motivation = Performance

Ability and motivation are essential because without both parts of the equation, the task will not be performed at its highest standard.