How to Ask and Motivate

Getting your team or your co-workers to take action isn’t about barking orders or giving constant reminders—it’s about sparking a sense of purpose.

Imagine if every you ask you ignite motivation, not just compliance.

There’s an art to inspiring genuine action, and once you master it, you will feel unstoppable.

Curious how? Let’s dive in…

Today’s Ladder:

The Art of Inspiring Action in Your Team

Getting a motivated “yes” in a world full of competing demands is an art.

Whether leading a team or working alongside colleagues…

• knowing how to ask in a way that inspires action,

• understanding individual drivers, and

• recognizing others’ efforts can elevate team performance.

Here are three powerful ways to ask, motivate, and recognize others to bring out their best:

1. Framing Requests to Inspire Action

Imagine these two approaches to assigning a new project:

• “Hey, can you take care of this?”

• “I know you’re detail-oriented, and your perspective would add so much value to this project. Would you be willing to lead it?”

The difference is huge.

The first approach makes the task sound like a burden, while the second taps into their strengths, presenting it as an opportunity to shine.

This art of framing shows the purpose behind the work, making it more appealing.

Here’s how to frame requests that motivate:

• Show the “why”: Connect tasks to a larger purpose.

• Acknowledge strengths: Recognize their skills and contributions, boosting confidence.

• Emphasize growth opportunities: Position tasks as learning experiences.

2. Understanding Team Motivation

Each person is driven by different motivations: growth, stability, or accomplishment. As a leader or teammate, understanding these drivers can make a significant impact.

To discover what motivates each team member:

• Listen actively: Notice what they talk about passionately in one-on-one conversations.

• Ask directly: Questions like, “What excites you most about your work?” can be insightful.

• Observe in action: Notice where they naturally excel or put in extra effort.

Knowing individual motivators lets you assign tasks and provide feedback in alignment with their unique drivers, helping them feel seen and valued.

3. Using Recognition to Drive Performance

A motivated team thrives on consistent, meaningful recognition, even for small victories. Celebrating wins—big or small—sustains motivation and reinforces positive behaviors.

Ways to use recognition effectively:

• Celebrate publicly: Highlight wins in team meetings, giving them visibility and value.

• Be specific: Instead of a generic “good job,” mention exactly what they did well.

• Encourage peer recognition: Let teammates celebrate each other’s efforts, fostering a positive culture.

Consistent, specific recognition not only makes people feel appreciated but reinforces their intrinsic motivation to keep delivering great results.

Takeaway:

Are you in a position where motivating your team or coworkers feel challenging? Maybe they're overwhelmed, unclear about their roles, or they’re just not engaged?

Often, it’s not about pushing harder—it’s about giving them clarity and purpose.

Imagine a team that’s not just meeting targets but doing so confidently, with each person feeling empowered and aligned.

By focusing on the right work, with a framework everyone trusts, your team can achieve more with less stress.

Think about past successes—those moments when your team hit goals because each member was clear, supported, and motivated.

That’s the energy you will be creating!

Each win fuels the next, and everyone has ownership over outcomes.

If you’re ready to leave behind the chaos of last-minute scrambles and step into a smoother, more productive flow, download my “Ask and Motivate” framework below - it’s my gift to you!

Career Bytes:

Curious career facts to feed your curiosity!

In Japan, intense work culture has led to "karoshi," a phenomenon where over 10,000 people a year suffer fatal consequences due to excessive work hours!

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed twice as fast, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Let’s Connect!

If we aren’t already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn.

If you have a career topic in mind that you want me to write about, you can message me at [email protected]