People need to know you care about them – not just the bottom line. After working in outside sales, I’ve come to really value the people who care about me – not my numbers. When people fail to acknowledge me, to ask how I am, and to provide a level of respect and support for me, I have far less desire to please – even though I am extremely conscientious of others and hold myself to high standards. When support is lacking, self-motivation disappears and rebelliousness steps in.
It is especially hurtful when someone knows you are going through a hard time and fails to acknowledge you. When all that can be noticed is performance – or lack there of – then the person is missing the most important thing. On the flip side, speaking from experience, when someone does acknowledge me when I am feeling down, then and only then do I want to go above and beyond for them.
There is no greater motivator than knowing that someone cares about you. Not the work that you do, nor the results that you produce, but you. So remember this next time you want someone to perform better.