Usher in Inspirational theory
``INSPIRATION is an awakening, a quickening of all man's faculties, and it is manifested in all high artistic achievements." History stands witness to the achievements of men and women who have achieved the near impossible through flashes of inspiration. While many great business leaders attribute their success to inspirational role models, inspiration as a tool to drive performance received recognition only in recent times. Inspiration ignites the intellectual spirit and unlocks individual potential. It gives an individual the ability to look beyond the obvious, think laterally and gain insights that lead one to the path of success.
In corporate parlance, performers are considered "just motivated" doers in a given scenario; it is the "inspired" that are considered super performers, who can achieve in any scenario. Motivation as a management tool to improve performance requires periodical reinforcement and is susceptible to slowdown and failure when the motivational tools are withdrawn. Also, performance driven by motivation can be instituted easily, directly or indirectly through financial and materialistic rewards, but is difficult to sustain.
Managers often find it challenging to sustain high levels of motivation among their employees.
This is because there are some inherent fallacies in this approach. Motivation as such is a superficial tool that demands constant attention and enhancement, and realises limited success in the long run. Managers can only motivate their teams to a particular level. Motivated employees give up when faced with unexpected barriers and difficulties.
Therefore, a paradigm shift from the motivational approach is necessary to stimulate and guide individuals. Managers are slowly realising the importance of `Inspiration' in driving performance.
This approach requires a different understanding and mindset. There is a need to pursue this path with passion and commitment; the desired outcome might be late in coming forth, but in the long run it is a definite recipe for success.
Limitations of the Motivation theory
Being an external stimulus, motivation requires periodical inducements such as wage hikes or perks
It is a cosmetic tool and cannot be sustained for long as the effort required to sustain motivation is very high
It is usually targeted at large groups to generate optimum performance and results; seldom customised to individual needs. On the flip side, this may lead to unhealthy competition and artificial imitations, and promote greed and rivalry within the team
Work environment controls Motivation. Over time, it gets saturated and becomes relative
As others set goals to infuse motivation, employees may lack enthusiasm and may experience fear of failure
Because of its being an external factor, even highly motivated people find it difficult to sustain the high level in the face of failure
In the absence of motivators, the desire to achieve or excel could collapse and jobs may be performed without a sense of ownership, duty and commitment
Inspiration Theory: A new way of driving Organisational Performance
As Inspiration is the outcome of original thoughts stimulated within an individual, promotes a sense of responsibility, passion and commitment for achievement
Inspired people are dynamic, self motivated and determined to achieve results
Inspiration models can be personalised
Inspired employees constantly seek solutions when faced with barriers and unexpected difficulties
Inspiration encourages healthy competition within the team as employees strive to improve their achievements
Inspiration and talent management
Organisations can adopt Inspiration theory not only to drive performance but also to manage talent. To make this work, an organisation needs mentors.
Mentors inspire and can serve as role models in the workplace. They support and sustain an individual's performance by providing the right amount of personalised attention and inspiration. Inspiring mentors are more powerful and help expand the community of inspired people within the organisation.
They are capable of articulating collective wisdom and strength thus creating an inner urge among people to pursue the path of excellence.
For the inspiration theory to succeed, organisations should nurture a culture that encourages mentorship. The top management should support the 'Inspiration model' to ensure its acceptance throughout the organisation.
The power that inspiration has in igniting talent and driving performance, even under difficult circumstances, is amazing. Inspired employees seek answers from within - their passion and quest for excellence sets them apart. And it is these inspired employees who deliver beyond what is expected, that makes an organisation truly successful.
SUNDAR RAJAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
(The author is GM - HR & Administration, Infinite Computer Solutions)
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