A sense of urgency motivates. Here’s how to do it right.
Moving people to take action can be a challenge. Calendars and to-do lists are full. Time is short and distractions are everywhere.
Whether you are selling, leading or serving, at some point you need to move a person from understanding what needs to be done, to actually doing it. You need to instill a sense of urgency.
So how can you increase urgency?
- Clarify the consequences and cost of doing nothing. When you describe lost opportunities or business, be clear that these are external threats.
- Set a deadline for doing something. If you want to change someone’s activity now to avoid a future event, you need to explain the speed with which trouble is approaching.
- Provide a road map. Threats can paralyze. Fear can freeze people. Provide manageable steps that can help get a person unstuck and moving towards progress.
- Offer help. No one wants one more to-do item. And if someone feels like it was dropped on them, the resistance is even higher. Offer to help. Just knowing that someone is looking out for them and offering to help is a safety net that can help spur action.
- Encourage effort, don’t nag. Making someone feel pushed is counter-productive. Bring something to the table when you check in like ideas, resources and connections. Praise progress and look for ways to gain even more.
Getting things done faster doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth. Just employ a few steps to get people on board and rowing in the same direction.
Have a great week.
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