I was recently standing in a formation when the speaker said, “We met several of our key metrics…”. Things trailed off after that because my mind wandered to other matters of the day. While that may have motivated others in the formation of probably a few hundred people that day, I suspect it had the same effect on many others that it did on me.
Metrics, numbers, and graphs do not motivate most people, especially when they do not know what those numbers entail or what they even mean. What matters more than a regression analysis on a batch of data with a trend line going upward is the tactile, real impacts that people can see at ground level. Metrics are abstract and aren’t tangible things in many people’s minds.
Impacts are key. Months ago I spoke with my subordinates at a roll call—while I was still new in my position. One thing I noted was the environment—I recognized that my subordinates, NCOs, were in an absolutely critical position—they teach young Airmen. I made the natural connection—their job was to interact and instruct and I noted several instances where a young Airman was left behind in the hustle and bustle of mission generation to fend for themselves. “Mentor your students where you can,” I told them, “because when they start working on the flightline, they won’t receive such guidance.” To this day I am uncertain as to whether my words evoked some inspiration, but I was staggered later on by the amount of initiative they took in taking their students under their wings—it continues to this day. They take ownership and pride in the classes they teach. It has bred innovation.
What motivates them to take such measures? Passion. They recognize that their involvement with the Airmen not only as technicians but as young adults and military members is critical. They understand their impact at their level. It’s a matter of building a relationship with a group of new military members. They don’t just churn out 1,700 students per year through the doors of the schoolhouse; it’s more to them than that.
Don’t motivate people by showing them a slew of numbers—there is no reference point for them with metrics. Motivate them by emotion because ultimately, that’s what motivation is. Keep the numbers in the conference room to manage processes, not people.
Deliberate Development 