Most management books tells you how to motivate your employees. It is as if the manager does not need to be motivated by his subordinates; however, the subordinates can really motivated or de-motivated their boss. As subordinates, why do we need to motivate our boss? Because we work in a team and if he/she is motivated we can succeed, if he is motivated he will try to improve our work, if he is motivated he will help all of us. Simply, the boss is a key team member and we need to have this member active, motivated, innovative.
So, how can you motivate your boss? The boss is a human being that has similar needs to yours. You will not give him the basic needs because you are not his employer, but you can give him part of the other needs. For example, you can do the following:
- When he/she tries to help you, show your appreciation
- When he suggests a good idea, tell him that his idea is a good one
- When he tries to apply a certain procedure/rule, try to follow even when he is absent
- If he puts a goal for the team, try to achieve
- If he asks for your suggestions, be honest and serious
- If he asks for a task twice, try to help him not to ask again
- If you think he is taking the wrong decision, discuss with him in a polite decent way
- When you want to criticize him, tell him about the things that he has improved then tell him about the things that you think he missed
- When he supports your new ideas, tell him that he did a good job
- When he wants to work as a manager, do not waste his time in tedious work
- Be fair when evaluating your work experience
- If he needs information or technical assistance, be a sincere trainer
- When he is facing a work challenge, work hard to help him
- When he wants to talk about his personal/social problems, be his friend
- Show him respect as a team leader
- Do not complain all the time
- Do not feel shy to apologize if you make a mistake
- Do not ask him what he cannot do
- Show respect for his role
- Try to build trust with him
- When you cannot do what he asks for, explain your reasons. Do not tell him: you asked for this and I will not listen to you.
If you want your team to succeed, try to keep the leader motivated. Think of motivation as “two way” not “one way”.
