We know that motivation and discipline are two key aspects to ensure long term success, but how do we keep it going when the going gets so tough? Should we work on getting motivated or on creating discipline?
Even in uncertain times, getting a quick spurt of motivation in the moment is not that hard. Motivation is about the “why” — the gratification that comes from doing something for a specific immediate outcome. The problem is that quick spurts of motivation are not sustainable. On the other hand, while creating discipline for the long haul is more difficult, it is sustainable. Motivation is about the “why,” but discipline is about the “how.”
For example, in our new 100% virtual environment I see leaders focused on motivating their team, trying to keep spirits high and doing more than their share of “check up meetings.” But they are forgetting to make sure their team is disciplined long before they are motivated.
One of my favorite authors, Stephen Covey, wrote the famous book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He said:
“Only the disciplined are truly free. The undisciplined are slaves to moods, appetites, and passions.”
I learned this lesson as a child from my father, German Pizarro, who was a pro baseball player and then professional umpire in the 1960s. He always told me, “I would rather be part of a team that is highly disciplined than a team that is highly motivated.”
Sure, his team could easily get excited for a big game when the playoffs were near, but that’s true of almost every team.
For my father, discipline meant that the team members could consistently drop a bunt down the third base line or hit the cut-off man on a relay throw from the outfield 10-out-of-10 times; even if it was an early season game with only a handful of people in the stands.
So, if you need to lead a virtual team that is looking just for the short-term reward, or only seems to know how to pull itself together at the most “important” moments, here are a few tips for building a well-disciplined team:
Lead by example
Don’t ask for anything you wouldn’t be willing to do yourself. The effectiveness of your team will have a lot to do with how they view you. Expecting them to demonstrate self-discipline begins with you modeling that behavior.
Expect decisions to be made
Foster an environment where people are comfortable to make decisions based on the resources and priorities at hand. You should not be the only person making decisions. A team that knows how to be decisive is a team that has an easier time with self-discipline, both collectively and as individuals.
Create a daily and weekly schedule
It’s been proven in study after study that people are more effective when they set – and stick to – a routine. I know, it might sound boring. Knowing what is to be expected and when it will happen may seem minor, but it will lead to increased productivity.
Keep multi-tasking to a minimum
It may seem counterintuitive if you’re in a particularly busy office space, but multitasking is wrought with temptations and distractions. Part of discipline is doing the best job possible. That’s not going to happen if too many things are being handled at one time.
Identify the ideal work rhythm
All hours are not created equal. You know if you do your best work at the start of the day or at the end. Your team members have rhythms, too. Figure out a way to focus on individual work when you’re at your best and save the meetings for those lower-energy moments when collaboration is more necessary.
Encourage communication
Nothing is going to upset a system quicker than a lack of communication. Your team should know your expectations, but also feel free to discuss issues as they arise. Treat your team as adults and equals, not like a teacher running a classroom. Open communication will create a happier, healthier and more focused workplace.
If you can create an environment where every day feels important and the input of all team members is seen as valued, neither they nor you will have to manufacture short bursts of motivation when the time calls for it.
Motivation is not a bad thing and we all need it, especially on those days when the bed is warm and the alarm feels like it rang earlier than it should have.
Motivation is what gets us out of the bed.
Discipline is what keeps us from going back.
A motivated team will win the “big” game…if they get there. A disciplined team will win the “big” game because they won all of the games that led up to the “big” game. In looking at the situation closely, aren’t they all big games?
If YOU are ready to shift from motivation into discipline, let’s have a conversation. Contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation.
