Motivation in Coaching

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Nelson Mandela

Here a different perspective over motivation in coaching! This article is meant to take you on a dive into the fascinating world of human behavior, offer ideas of keys to unlocking unstoppable motivation within your clients and your team. Cause I will use individual and team coaching ideas into this article.

Before moving forward let’s calibrate on the understanding the science of motivation - and what drives human behavior - the ultimate superpower!

My inspiration of this article is based on my activity as a corporate coach and a dedicated NGO mentor. So if you are someone in the same roles as me or just a person eager to understand the intricacies of human behavior, let’ look at the science of motivation like a door opener to transformative experiences that can be harness for a faster track to potential.

At the heart of coaching and mentoring lies the profound understanding of what motivates individuals. Motivation isn't a one-size-fits-all concept; it's a nuanced interplay of internal and external factors unique to each person. Here comes the love for human anthropology comes in place. From intrinsic drivers like personal values and aspirations to extrinsic rewards such as recognition and advancement opportunities, motivation encompasses a spectrum of influences. So we need to take ALL into consideration. And not only in individual coaching but this is also what you need to take into consideration when you think about team coaching settings. Here is also very important to recognize the diverse motivations within the collective. Whether it's a corporate team striving for professional success or an NGO group passionate about social impact, acknowledging and aligning individual motivations can foster synergy and cohesion.

Sure, in theory all sounds good - but what about how does harnessing Motivation in Coaching in real life?

First of all invest in your awareness and boldness in mirroring what you are seeing. The reflexive inquiry and the contracting creates the space of exploration and trust for both in an individual coaching process, but also in a team coaching one. You can practice this in your day to day life by listening from 4 levels, practice ecology by checking who is impacted my decisions that you make and the way you communicate, but also check for your motivation triggers and drivers.

As a mentor my role goes beyond holding and sharing knowledge, as a coach is important to hold the space of awareness for my clients. It's is all about igniting the spark of motivation within those that are becoming my clients. Effective coaching transcends mere questions and reflexions; it involves empowering individuals to tap into their intrinsic drivers and channel them towards creating and taking actions that will lead them to reach their meaningful goals.

In corporate settings, where performance and productivity are paramount, understanding the unique motivations of team and its members is key. By fostering a culture of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, a coaching culture can cultivate an environment where individuals are motivated intrinsically, leading to enhanced engagement and satisfaction. And the role of an internal coach is a stepping stone in this.

Similarly, in NGO contexts driven by passion for social change, effective mentoring involves aligning volunteers' motivations with the organization's mission. By highlighting the impact of their contributions and providing avenues for personal growth, you as a mentor can nurture a sense of purpose that fuels sustained commitment and dedication.

Here is something to have in mind - the role of Group Dynamics:

In both corporate and NGO environments, group dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping motivation. Understanding how individuals influence and are influenced by the group dynamic is essential for effective coaching and mentoring.

In team coaching scenarios, as a coach you must navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where each member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. Encouraging open communication, resolving conflicts constructively, and celebrating collective achievements are essential strategies for harnessing group motivation.

Similarly, in NGO settings characterized by volunteer-driven initiatives, mentors must foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. By creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, mentors can enhance motivation and collective efficacy, driving impactful outcomes for the organization's mission.

Add the science of motivation like I call it to the powerful tool in your technical bag. Paying attention to this offers me as a coach access to unlock the full potential of those that I support. By understanding the diverse motivations that drive human behavior and leveraging effective strategies to harness them, as a coach and as a mentor you can cultivate environments where individuals thrive, teams excel, and organizations flourish.

Talking about a corporate boardroom or the NGO field, the principles of motivation remain constant, serving as beacons of guidance that empower people to reach new heights of success and fulfillment. In your role please continue the journey as champion of motivation, inspiring positive change and transformation one coaching session at a time.

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash