In the reading for this module, we learned about the leadership practice of enco
ID: 468525 • Letter: I
Question
In the reading for this module, we learned about the leadership practice of encouraging the heart. Before posting to this discussion, make sure that you have updated the “Encourage the Heart” column in your Leadership Development Action Plan to show how you will use the concepts you have learned to improve each of the leadership areas you identified in Module One. Once you have updated your leadership development action plan, respond to the following: In this module, you have read about encouragement and recognition. Do encouragement and recognition really matter? Psychodynamic theory proposes that leaders have to understand their own personality traits and those of their followers in order to effect change and movement. How do leaders learn what motivates individuals on the team?
Explanation / Answer
Encouragement of subordinates by their leader brings lot of optimism among the subordinates and enables them to give their best. It increases their motivation to perform. It makes them more dedicated to their work. Further, proper recognition in the form of informal rewards (like a verbal praise or a “pat on the back”) and formal rewards (like bonuses, promotions and others) by the leader can do wonders to the morale of the employees. The employees become highly energized to do their work and show lot of zeal too. They feel a sense of belongingness to the organization and to one another. Encouragement and recognition thus reduce employee attrition in the organization. Moreover, these two factors lessen the tension in the workplace and make it a happy place to work.
Perceptions of individuals differ and so their motivating factors will also differ. It is the responsibility of the leaders to find out the individual motivating factors. The leaders should try to find out the personal interests and hobbies of the individuals during informal get-togethers in the organization or during office parties. They should try to know the cultural aspects of different individuals and thus can find out a lot about what would motivate them. They should also try to understand the aspirations of the individuals, since this can also give an idea about how to motivate them. Leaders can make use of formal techniques like interviews or questionnaires too. They can also involve the employees in various team-building exercises and management games for the purpose.