We all sort events in our world to decide what motivates us.
- Some of us look at our interactions in terms of what’s in it for us.
- Others sort our world based on what we can do for others.
- We all fall somewhere on the continuum between sorting solely for ourselves or sorting for others. Most of us are a blend.
Leading With the Sort
As leaders, understanding the sorting metaprogram of our team members gives us keen insights into how to motivate them as well as some directions for their best roles within our organization. To understand how people are sorting at any moment, watch them to see how much attention they pay to others. Can you tell they are interested and listening? Are they leading forward, nodding their heads and enthusiastic? Are they looking at their smart phone, staring at the ceiling and generally distracted? Watch behaviors and you’ll soon understand everyone’s sorting programs.
Sorting on Self
You can best motivate these folks by framing whatever goal you set from the standpoint of being all about them and the benefits they will receive. Focus your motivation around areas that you know are important to them.
These folks probably aren’t the best choice for customer facing responsibilities. On the other hand, if you need someone to monitor and maintain standards or rules within the organization – sorting by self provides a keen benefit. They won’t be swayed based on popular vs unpopular decisions. The key is to make sure these folks stay focused on their specific task and don’t move away from their goal, based on their own specific needs or opinions.
Sorting by Others
Motivating these folks is all about presenting the benefits for the overall organization or for their specific team. Couch the benefits in terms of their contribution to the good of the masses, show them the value they can give to others. Remember, these folks are inspired to transform our world!
Folks who sort based on helping others are obviously great candidates for customer facing roles. They’re also great for human resources or other “other” focused responsibilities. The key is to provide the balance to make sure that these other focused individuals don’t become so enthralled with what others need and want that they lose sight of what’s best for the business.
The Bottom Line
We all sort by ourselves and by others at different points in our lives. That’s a good thing because there are times when each is appropriate. By paying attention to how our teams sort their world, we can then manage them appropriately, make them happier contributors and better reach the company’s and their individual goals.
