Momentum is the key to keeping your team engaged and motivated. It is an intangible force that fuels motivation and drives engagement, ultimately leading to increased productivity and goal achievement. To harness the power of momentum, leaders must actively cultivate and sustain it both personally and organizationally.
Is Momentum a Mindset?
Inspiration is external. Motivation is internal. Momentum connects to motivation and further drives engagement.
When fully immersed in momentum, you may feel invigorated and focused. It's a powerful sensation that can make you feel unstoppable. When we get that feeling, there is nothing in the world like it. It can be euphoric. Now, imagine an entire organization sharing this feeling. The resulting boost in morale and productivity can transform the organization from a mere dream into reality.
"“Keep moving ahead because action creates momentum, which in turn creates unanticipated opportunities.”
This concept does not have to be but a mere dream. With your belief and effort, you can earn Momentum. Yes, I said earn Momentum. This illusive feeling does not happen because we wish it would. No, we must earn Momentum, just as we must earn success. This is a personal leadership philosophy.
However, to truly attain momentum, you must actively earn it through consistent dedication and hard work.
You Must Plan to Build Momentum in your Company
Successful leaders recognize the importance of momentum and take active steps to ignite and sustain it. They do not get discouraged when there is a headwind or when chips the are down. They remain committed to their goals and their teams, maintaining a positive vision for everyone to rally behind. These momentum-driven leaders chart a path for success, navigating challenges with resourcefulness and determination.
Self-Awareness is Key for Building Momentum
Self-awareness is a crucial trait of momentum leaders, who work to overcome self-limiting beliefs and persevere through difficult times. They approach challenges with a positive mindset and engage others who share their optimism and drive. By rallying a group of like-minded individuals, they create a strong sense of unity and purpose, fostering an environment where momentum can thrive.
Momentum leaders maintain intense focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing effectively. They remove noise so the team can do their jobs. They work to keep their eyes on the prize and not get distracted; if everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. Additionally, leaders must acknowledge and address gaps in knowledge and skills, providing the necessary resources and support for growth; if not, this may extinguish any momentum that you have gained.
By fostering a strong organizational culture based on integrity and a clear sense of purpose, momentum can become a long-lasting ally. But how do we maintain this alliance with Mo? Many individuals and teams are great sprinters only to flame out in the stretch. They get distracted, overwhelmed, life gets in the way, or worse, they allow self-doubt to creep in.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset is Key for Maintaining Momentum
Often times, there must be a change to gather wind and move forward. This process begins with a reset, situation, or spark identified by the leader. To build and maintain momentum, organizations must be open to change and adaptation. This may involve unlearning outdated practices and adopting new strategies and mindsets.
The Momentum-styled leader must identify, accept, and acquire the necessary resources to elevate and provide accountability to achieve results. It's hard to change, especially when you already know how to implement 'good-enough' solutions. Outstanding leaders know how to guide, teach, and motivate their team - providing meaningful rewards along the way.
How do we keep Momentum once we find Momentum?
To truly spark momentum in your personal, professional, or organizational life, you must embrace the role of a catalyst. A momentum-driven leader must champion purpose, priorities, passion, pride, and meaningful change. You cannot expect real momentum, motivation or inspiration if the foundation is built on shadiness and a false sense of reality.
Remove Drag to Maintain Momentum
To sustain momentum, and for team engagement to thrive, it's essential to eliminate any obstacles or unproductive elements within the organization. How can any organization achieve Velocity by dragging multiple anchors? Impossible. Yet many wonder why they can never seem to get something going.
This is talking the talk but not walking the walk. If it were easy, everyone would do it. The truth is, that Momentum is not easy. But worth all the effort when in the house.
Ignite Momentum in Your Organization
Momentum can make you feel like a superhero, imbuing you with confidence and resilience in the face of challenges. It amplifies your abilities and helps you seize opportunities with greater ease.
So, ask yourself: What steps are you taking to ignite momentum in your personal, professional, or organizational life? Embrace the power of momentum, and witness its transformative impact on your team's engagement and success.
You know you want Mo, you need Mo, hell, you know how powerful Mo can be; go get Mo' of it! Momentum is how you will keep all employees on your team engaged.
