Join hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome as they explore the critical role of emotional intelligence in project management. This episode delves into the concept of motivation, examining both self-motivation and the ability to create an environment where team members can motivate themselves. The discussion includes definitions, benefits, and practical tips for boosting both personal and team performance. Tune in for an insightful conversation that promises to enhance your project management skills and improve your project outcomes.

Main Take-Aways

The project leader will be more successful in his or her endeavors by continued improvement in emotional intelligence. Motivation – both self-motivation and creating an environment for team members to motivate themselves – is an essential element of developing emotional intelligence:

• self-motivation and motivation of team
• positive results of being self-motivated
• benefits of motivation
• self-learning and motivation
• challenges to developing and sustaining motivation
• practical ideas to building motivation

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: The Emotionally Agile Project Manager – The Importance of Motivation

00:29 Introducing the topic of Emotional Intelligence, week 2, with a focus on the external practice of applying emotional intelligence to our relationships through motivation.

03:11 Kicking off this week’s podcasts with a focus on the emotional intelligence component of motivation.

03:43 A look at self-motivation and establishing an environment for your team members to motivate themselves.

04:11 A working definition of what motivation means for yourself and the driving force behind what motivates you.

06:54 The positive results of a healthy sense of being self-motivated: improved productivity, self-esteem, confidence, resilience, adaptability, creativity, relationships, communication, sense of fulfillment.

09:50 The benefits of motivation include job satisfaction, sense of control, significance, better time management, responsibility, accountability, improved quality, meeting your needs.

13:58 The importance of self-learning as an outcome of a strong sense of motivation.

15:06 Some challenges in developing and maintaining motivation within self and the team: loss of a previously established motivator, lack of clear goals, fear of failure, making mistakes, long work hours.

18:28 Some ideas on developing and sustaining motivation to include focusing on the purpose behind your efforts and celebrating milestones along the way.