The motivating factor

Patrick Fiat

General Manager, Royal Plaza on Scotts

Absolutely leaders need to be motivated! As the saying goes “lead by example”.

It is thus important that the leader stays motivated at all times and continue to inspire his people. Leadership works in tandem with motivation. It is imperative for the leader to stay motivated so that the positive vibes can be transferred to the levels below.

I live by three maxims to maintain my own personal motivation for success:

I keep challenging myself to scale greater heights by raising the benchmark each time;

I have a belief that “good” can always be “better” with an appetite for greater achievements. In the same way, I never settle for just one or two alternatives;

I never despair or lose confidence over failure; since these help to shape future successes.

There needs to be a closely knitted relationship between leaders and those further down the line. They need to work hand-in-hand to achieve those all important win-win situations.

Because if even just one party loses, nobody gains.

Jennifer Yap

Managing Director, Royal Caribbean Cruises

There are three issues concerning self-motivation for business leaders: how to get motivated, how to stay motivated, and then how to motivate others.

Getting motivated yourself is the most important factor. Without motivation from the leader, no one else will feel the passion or success.

When it comes to staying motivated, there should be goals for me to look forward to so that I can work towards them. Examples might be working to grow Singapore’s cruise market, promoting cruising as a preferred vacation option, and growing brand awareness, both in Singapore and throughout the wider Asia region.

Our Singapore office started two years ago, and we have build a young and energetic team. We are very passionate about our business and work closely as a single unit. Motivating everyone with strong leadership, words of encouragement and the right rewards and recognition is essential to have our goals in sight and within reach constantly.

Getting strong support from everyone and giving them even more from my part in turn, is the key for our business.

David Wee

Managing Director, Lee Hecht Harrison (Singapore and Malaysia)

There are two fundamental reasons why leaders should stay motivated.

Firstly, as a leader, you tend to have a great influence on your employees. In times of uncertainty, employees very often will look up to you as their motivator. Secondly, leaders need to stay motivated as they need the energy and drive to encourage others in their team.

To stay motivated as a leader, make sure you: appreciate your own strengths and uniqueness; celebrate successes, continue to build and keep your reputation, look beyond immediate issues (as being too entrenched in your current situation can limit your ideas and solutions); build a support network (so that you always have someone to turn to for advice); and align your motivation to bigger goals.

Also, try to keep things in perspective. It helps to think of what is the worst that can happen. If you can accept that and are prepared for it, you are better poised to move on with your life.

If leaders are not motivated, they cannot lead effectively and the entire team’s performance will be impacted.