Who Motivates the Motivator?

By Bob Goshen

A leader's primary purpose is to keep the energy flowing and the dreams growing while at the same time showing up every day complete with a smiling face and an endless supply of new ideas and solutions for the day-to-day challenges of his or her business. On many days a leader may feel as if a giant syringe has been injected into his or her brain and all the energy extracted. This is reality in the world of leadership. Those who have been given the opportunity to lead must restore their minds and physical health often--just like car batteries, one can only go so far on limited cells.

So how does a leader stay motivated and on top of his or her game? The following suggestions have helped many in leadership stay focused and on fire as they move their organization forward:

1. FIND A MENTOR: The only way to stay focused and keep energy flowing is to find a "creative mentor" who has the ability to keep the "apprentice's" feet grounded in leadership principles. The mentor is that person who will listen to challenges, fears, hopes and dreams and be trusted to keep confidences. He or she should fit the following parameters: Need nothing from the learner; not be looking for financial benefits or special favours; be a person of integrity and character; and most importantly, be a proven leader who has been where the follower is going.

2. FEED THE MIND: A leader is always feeding the mind. Good teachers can be found in every field of endeavour, and many of the best have produced CDs or books in their areas of expertise. They often have websites that detail or reveal their thinking processes. It isn't necessary to reinvent the wheel. A wise leader will develop unique ways to incorporate the materials developed by those who have a proven track record. It is often better to be an imitator rather than an originator, especially until one gains the personal experience required in a given field of expertise. An aspiring leader must remain progressive and proactive, always maintaining a "creative state of mind."

3. DREAMS OR DRAMA: Most of the conversation in the working world is focused around the world of "drama." People talk about other people; people put people down while lifting themselves up. People continually look for and often hope for another person's failure. To stay motivated, one must become very sensitive to the conversation in the boardroom, at lunch with others, and even in one's own family. The leader cannot allow his or her mind to drift into the world of drama, choosing rather to remain in the arena of dreams, looking for solutions, and becoming a doctor of solutions. Those who stay personally motivated "run" from the world of conversation that moves toward destructive thoughts. They choose words that are edifying, building up those around them each day, looking at "challenges" rather than "problems." It is difficult to stay motivated and on top of one's game if hours are wasted in the world of drama. The leader learns how to quickly disengage from conversation that is drama.

4. ENJOY: Motivated people take time to enjoy the world around them. They spend time with people who do not wish to talk about their profession or business; they look for times of fun and fellowship that make them laugh. A truly successful leader knows that time spent with family and loved ones is as essential as time spent with those who add value to their profession.

Bob Goshen is an international marketing consultant, trainer and founder of three corporations. He has developed marketing strategies for such noted companies as Coca-Cola and Sunrider International. Call 918.298.1616 to learn about having Bob speak at your next event. To receive his monthly e-zine, visit www.bobgoshen.com.