Being Motivated in Today's Business World
By Denise DeCarlo, PMP

My how things have changed! When attending a typical PMI meeting just a few years ago there would be several job openings announced with only a few candidates vying for those project management positions. As we all know, the market has drastically changed and we're faced with a different set of problems to manage. Now we have staff members who may not be satisfied in their jobs but don't dare attempt to change jobs due to the current business volatility. We have people managing projects, but we are not leveraging their full capabilities because there are no other options for that person within their department or even the company. Are these scenarios all-to-familiar to you?

So, what makes you WANT to go to work each day? How do we still look forward to heading to the office? In times like these, we have to work extra hard to motivate ourselves and our team members to instill positive, can-do attitudes. In these trying times, here are some steps to follow to help you and your team remain productive and satisfied:

Control what you can and let the rest go. As leaders there are ALWAYS things that are not in your control, but that doesn't mean we give up! Look at the things that you CAN control and do those things well! Do you still have the authority to manage a small team of people? Do you still have responsibility to mentor junior team members? Take these roles and responsibilities to heart. Handle your current responsibilities to the very best of your ability. Be glad that you have a job and look for the things in your work environment that ARE fulfilling. Look for opportunities to help someone else out - giving to someone else just plain feels good! Even if you get "nothing in return" you'll walk away knowing you've lent a helping hand to someone. Focus on what you can control and take full advantage of those responsibilities.

Stretch yourself! Is your job not challenging you? Find another avenue to challenge yourself. Earn your PMP if you don't have it yet, take a class you've been meaning to take but keep telling yourself you don't have time (or the money) to take, mentor someone, ask for genuine feedback from someone you know will be honest about your skills and take action on improving those skills, or read a book you've been meaning to complete. Don't sit back and let the next 12 months slide by without improving YOUR skills - take care of #1 - THAT'S YOU! As adults we have a tendency to get into a slump and not stretch ourselves. When is the last time you felt stretched intellectually? If you can't get that challenge from the office right now, get it elsewhere. Don't forget about your team members too! Ensure they are finding ways to improve their skills as well.

continue>>