Motivating others to Action

One of the most frequently asked questions I'm asked is, "how do I get buy-in and motivate others to make a decision?"

The answer is more simple than you think, and part of the challenge is in the way the question is being asked.  The question presuposes that you have to do the work, when in reality all the motivating factors and forces come from the other person or persons.

What motivates me is not what motivates you and not what motivates your neighbor.  Moitvation is something deep and personal and unique to each of us.  Motivation, the real motivation, is the "why".  So how do you get at the real "why's"?

You must get to know who you're working with on a personal level.  Who they are, what their interests and hobbies are, and activities the engage in outside of work will all have common elements.  If you look deep you can easily find the common thread.

Once you have that thread, their "why", then you have all the ammunition you need.  Take their motivating force, their "why", and show them how they can get more of it and accomplish it by moving forward with your outcome.

Once you associate their "why" to your outcome, the deal is done.  When they see accomplishing their "why's" as a part of the deal, then there is no selling, there is no convincing, and buy-in becomes natural.