We have observed in many of the situations, wherein a group or team is working together for a common objective. But, many a times it happens that, they get demotivated or lost the direction to achieve their desired objectives. We have observed many such cases in the organization, as well as even in the external environment. Even, inside the society, there might be certain leaders leading a team to complete a certain task. However, some of the members will get demotivated since they were not encouraged or failed to do a certain assigned task (Daft 31-47). Under such circumstances, the biggest challenge for the leader or for the motivator will be to make his mindset positive. He needs to be realized that, he is a part of the team, and he is not alone. He further, needs to be assisted in his task so that it can be completed. Through such an approach, we will be able to complete not only the task within a given timeframe, but also will be able to motivate the respective individual.
We have observed many teams facing such challenges, since they are not able to work in a group-based approach. Individually, they all will be performing well, but when they are aligned into one single group, it seems they will not be able to complete a given task. However, such issues seem to be common, especially, when we are undertaking a task of social change. Consider an example, wherein, we are focusing to spread the awareness of education and good health in the rural and backward areas. In such areas, people are not educated, and they do not even know how to follow steps that will keep them healthy. Despite of several efforts by the team, they are unable to cope with the steps or the guidelines provided to them. At one such stage, it will seem that, the team is tired, and is no longer interested in carrying out the task to the next stage. Majority of the team members will be tired and will be lacking motivation to complete a given objective (Heifetz & Linsky 65-72).
At this juncture, it is the responsibility of the team leader to re-motivate the group, in order to avoid from crumbling it. The leader needs to make the team members realize the importance of the values that need to be associated with these tasks (Daft 51-57). They need to focus upon completing the assigned objective. They should not compromise in their commitment. They need to follow all the ethical principles in order to ensure accountability and transparency. However, along with motivating them, it is important to keep in mind the deadlines; otherwise, we shall miss them and we would not be able to achieve our objective.
Public narratives are an approach, through which we can focus upon the values of 'self', 'us', and 'now'. The leader can frame the stories on this basis, and he can thereby, motivate the crew members. In addition, he will be able to install the values of urgency and a sense of completing a given task. Once they learn these values, their inner group energy, commitment and motivation will increase and will try harder to complete the task.
Motivation is defined as a factor that will push or exert a force an individual from within. It is a type of energy, which will make the individual work on a given task (Daft 20). It helps in avoiding the negative mindset, and at the same time, also installs positive values within that individual. The three associated parameters of public narrative are directly related to motivation. The ‘self’ values will motivate a given individual on the basis of his personal characteristics and strengths that he possesses. The ‘us’ values will make him realize the importance of the group and the opinions and learning that they share. It will inspire not only an individual, but the entire group. They will thereby, act together and help one another in order to achieve a given task. Finally, the ‘now’ values will make not only the individual positive from this thinking perspective, but will also force him to complete the task with the sense of urgency. He needs to complete the task within a given deadline.
However, while learning and adapting to these values of motivation and parameters of public narrative, there might be several challenges that need to be overcome. And, while solving these challenges he even needs to choose the best choice for him so that there are no more troubles faced by him in achieving a given task. Consider a challenge of a group conflict, wherein the group members will be frightening and quarreling amongst each other on a certain issue. Unless, the manager or the team leader does not interfere, there will be no solution to a given challenge (Heifetz & Linsky 65-72).
However, the team leader will be having three choices to solve a given challenge. He can either adapt the solutions of resolving a group conflict or can pass over the issue to his senior colleagues to solve the case. If he does not want to solve the problem at all, the situation will prevail and there will be no end to this conflict (Heifetz & Linsky 65-72). However, for obtaining the desired objectives of the organization, the team leader needs to implement a problem solving approach and solve the group conflicts issues. He will thereby, making a choice that will not only resolve a given challenge, but will also succeed in completing his task. Motivation and problem solving approach thus, helps an individual to complete desired objectives and assigned tasks with complete commitment, focus, sense of urgency, and accountability. The team will thereby, achieve desired success in spreading the awareness of education and good health in a given rural region.
References
Daft, R.L. Management. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.
Heifetz, R.A., and M., Linsky. “A survival guide for leaders.” Harvard Business Review 80.6 (2002): 65-72.
