Knowing how to motivate each person on a team can be so draining and challenging, especially, when you are judged upon these skills by your interviewer/s. What the interviewer/s in the SSB Interview look for in a deserving candidate is not only how he or she responds in a teamwork or a group discussion, but also in what way and to what extent he or she inspires and motivates his or her team or group members. Being able to motivate and inspire others can not only help you to ace your dream job in the armed forces, but also to succeed in your personal, professional and social lives as well. Also, the power of motivating and inspiring others will showcase your excellent and effective leadership skills, among other Officer Like Qualities (OLQs), so required in a deserving defence aspirant.
In this article, then, let me prescribe 10 important strategies for you to motivate and inspire people around you, in an easy and efficient way.
Tip 1 : Be Motivated and Inspired Yourself
You will never inspire others unless you are motivated and inspired yourself. Enthusiasm is contagious and spreads like wildfire. Reflect enthusiasm every day to the people you are in contact with and your genuine smiles, positive energy, and caring concern will be returned ten-fold. If you want to inspire others, you have to feel it first. Read, listen and watch motivational books, quotes, speeches, movies, talk shows, interviews and much more to feel motivated at all times.
Tip 2 : Care
If you can’t show a person that you genuinely care about them, you will fail to inspire them as well. Show people you care in your words and your actions. Behave kindly and patiently with those around you.
Tip 3 : Be Positive
It’s easy to criticize people, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. No one likes to be criticized, so if you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say it at all.
Tip 4 : Encourage
This is the most important step, because starting a dream is scary. People are so scared they will fail or look stupid that many never try to reach their goals. You must play a huge role here by encouraging them taking up the challenges. Say things like, “I think you will be great at that.” or “I think your skills in X will help you succeed.” Also remember don’t throw them unrealistic or easiest challenges. That can make the people take their victory or failure in a different way. Strike the right balance, and make people challenge what they believe they can attain, and they will be motivated to achieve them.
Tip 5 : Be an Active Listener
You may feel tempted while trying to motivate someone by giving them a lengthy speech, but this rarely works. The best way to motivate others is to start by listening to what they want to do. Find out what the person’s goals and dreams are. Make eye-contact if someone talks to you about their problems and ask follow-up questions to show them you care about what they are going through and want to understand and solve their problems.
Tip 6 : Recognise & Acknowledge Others’ Contributions
A sincere ‘Well done’ can really help in motivating others. Most people like to be appreciated for what they have done and achieved. If you recognise and acknowledge others’ efforts, it will encourage them to keep going and overcome obstacles. Congratulate individuals who have done particularly well. Acknowledge the contribution of others publicly if possible to show people you are humble and thoughtful enough to give credit where it is due.
Tip 7 : Treat Everyone Equally
We are all equal human beings regardless of our age, gender, politics, race, religion, and other factors. Treat others how they want to be treated, no matter their background, to inspire trust and confidence.
Tip 8 : Stay Cool and Calm
How people react to insults or criticism speaks highly about their ability to inspire others. No matter how harsh an insult is, it’s best to stay calm and cool, because getting upset will not make you feel any better (and it certainly won’t inspire people around you). Shrug off insults like they didn’t happen and those who witness your unflinching nature might be inspired to do the same.
Tip 9 : Share Your Inspiring Story
What books have made a huge impact on you when you were young? What sources of inspiration help guide the most important decisions in your life? How did you become the happy, healthy, positive person you are today? Share the influences that shaped who you are today and help others benefit from the same sources.
Tip 10 : Give Freedom of Choice to Others
Don’t give people step-by-step instructions like a boss, but instead give them the freedom to figure it out by themselves. If you are asked for help, deliver a rough guideline to get a person moving in the right direction, but intentionally leave something left to the imagination so that they will have the freedom to fill-in-the-blanks. When a person discovers they are capable of figuring things out by themselves, they will discover they are more powerful than they ever thought possible.
Follow these 10 important strategic tips to practice your teamwork and leadership skills, to motivate and inspire people around you, not only in the SSB Interview but in your life as well. Come out successful in your life as well as in the SSB Interview with flying Colours.
Work hard, believe in yourself as well as in others. Work hard, dream big and try to reach the stars.
Jai Hind!
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