No matter what you do, people are involved.
How to interact, to lead and to motivate is an ongoing challenge. In short, what can you do to bring out the best in people?
Over 25 years ago, Alan Loy McGinnis, wrote a book to teach people how to do exactly that. Though technology has changed much in the way we do business, people are the same. Thus, the principles in his book “Bringing out the Best in People” still apply. Following are 5 of his 12 principles along with my comments and a quote.
Expect the best from people you lead.
Though it may seem obvious, it’s not always the reality. There is a high degree of correlation between what we expect people to do and what they do. From the Pgymalion effect to classroom experiments, examples abound of what happens when we expect the best of people.
Goethe said:
“Treat a man as he appears to be, and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be.”
Make a thorough study of the other person’s needs.
How do you do this? Ask questions. Don’t assume, find out what matters to each individual. Think of a motivational plan as a designer dress or a custom fitted suit; both are tailored for the individual. Find out where they have been, where they are going, what’s important to them as well as any sore spots.
Or, as Zig Ziglar is famous for saying:
“You can get everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want.”
Recognize and applaud achievement.
Acknowledge a person’s effort for a task; be specific in your praise. Rather than say “you’re doing great” say “you’re doing great because you take such consistent action or you help people to understand why they need to ______” Ken Blanchard, “The One Minute Manager” recommends catching people doing “something right” and then giving them an immediate compliment.
English cleric and writer C.C. Colton said:
“Applause is the spur of noble minds.”
Place a premium on collaboration.
Inherent in each of us is a need to belong. Most of us work best when teamed with at least one other person whether it’s on a project or to lose weight. What happens when we work as a group or team is that our resolve strengthens and the support of the group gives the momentum to break through obstacles.
The late U.S. Senator S.I. Hayakawa stated:
“What we call society is really a vast network of mutual agreements.”
Take steps to keep your own motivation high.
What is it about certain people that enable them to lead, to inspire others? History shows it’s not a matter of looks, education or talent. Some call it charisma while others call it obsessiveness or enthusiasm. No doubt about it, “enthusiasm is contagious.” It grabs attention and compels action. To keep yourself up and brimming with energy, with enthusiasm, associate with positive people, monitor your self talk, feed your mind and focus on your goals.
Neurosurgeon and pioneer of brain surgery Dr. Harvey Cushing believed:
“Nothing great or new can be done without enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the fly-wheel which carries your saw through the knots in the log. A certain excessiveness seems a necessary element in all greatness.”
Have you either heard of or read “Bringing Out the Best in People?”
Which one of these principles spoke to you?
What other tips do you have for bringing out the best in people?
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janet@janetcallaway.com
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Advice which may not appear in my posts.
“Expect the best from people you lead.” Yes! My theory is: We all have arms, we all have legs, we all have the ability to learn (generally speaking). What holds people back is themselves, or the lack of motivation. As a leader, we must hold the candle underneath them. Keep them going keep them motivated – encourage them. Expect the best!
“Take steps to keep your own motivation high.” Absolutely! This is critical! If you have no motivation, how are you going to lead and boost the ones you are supposed to lead? You wont. Do whatever you have to do to keep your spirits up and your motivation. Although I can’t see how people can lack motivation and such with they are in an exciting leadership position – but I will give this fictitious person the benefit of the doubt!
Keep excited and pass it along to others. It’s infectious! 
Good stuff Janet!
Brock, aloha. Well, clearly there is no lack of enthusiasm on your part. Thx so much for letting it pour forth in your comment. That is just one of the many reasons you lead so effectively.
You’re right, Brock. Enthusiasm is infectious. Let’s see if we can start an epidemic.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Until later, aloha. Janet
“Take steps to keep your own motivation high” This is a good (and tricky) one. When you take the time and have the clarity to lift, support and be there for others, encouraging them to be the best of themselves, there is an unexpected perk. Deep relationships are developed and these same people lift you. I’m not only talking about the “doesn’t it feel good to help others” kind of lift, but they tend to listen to what you say and they turn that on you~ ha! ~and nothing that motivates me more than when this happens because it confirms my need for impact and makes me live by my own guidance. Just because you are a “lifter”, doesn’t mean you couldn’t use a boost now and then. I’m not always patient with the rah-rah-rah for those who have no intention of uplifting themselves, I like to see that my time and my vision has value. Loyal fans give back in a benevolent circle. Lovely post, Janet.
Tracy, aloha. Thx so much for your words of wisdom. Tracy, I absolutely love this sentence of yours:
“Loyal fans give back in a benevolent circle.”
What a beautiful and true way to phrase it. We lift each other up and inspire. Because of each other, we want to be and do more.
Tracy, it is always a pleasure to have you visit because your comments add such value. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet
I’m my different working capacities it’s effectively been my job to bring out the best in people..I worked in drug rehabs for 5 years. I just wanted to add, that my number 1 tool for achieving this is positive validation and repeated encouragement. With my ex clients I often found they had no had anyone say anything positive about them or to them for sooooo long they started to think there was no good in them.
You can judge the behaviour separately from the person sometimes in my book, and it was thinking this way that allowed me to support clients with positive validation, active listening the setting of milestones and recognising achievements. I have several clients who are now drug/alcohol free for years, and they look me up on Facebook to say hi..and thanks. I can’t even begin to tell you how good that feels.
Stacey, aloha. Thank you for your insights which put a new perspective on this topic. Stacey, your experience with seeing the results positive validation and repeated encouragement brought speaks volumes.
How fantastic you must feel when those folks you helped guide, look you up to say HI. Kudos to you, my friend, for making such a difference in people’s lives.
Best wishes for a festive weekend. Until later, aloha. Janet
Janet aloha. I have read and do know “Bringing Out the Best in People” mainly because my last job in the corporate world was to to consult with companies re the effectiveness of their people performance management systems and then I had to develop programs to help them improve these.
In nine out of ten cases there was little about their systems that needed tweaking but the people to people relationships was another matter completely. The mis and non leadership issues were huge.
As you might expect Janet, I used Alan Loy McGinnis’ book in my program development work all the time.
All of the principles are valid but the one I still think speaks loudest to me is that of expecting the best from people we lead.
For me this is about helping people to “see” their greatness so that they can better lead themselves and give of their best in every moment, not because of any extrinsic reward but for the joy of the personal fulfillment that comes from tapping into their power. When we expect them to be the best they can be, they connect with their own best place at that specific time.
Janet ultimately I believe all people are starving to feel special and be noticed, only because they have not yet learned that they can feel this way by tapping into their own Spirit.
When we make others feel special we help them to lift their consciousness and consequently give of their best because they feel in alignment with who they really are.
We can all play a role in bringing the best out in people no matter whether personally, at work or in business. When we can bring the best out in others we also bring the best out in ourselves by being true to our purpose.
Another great topic Janet and thank you for letting me express my thoughts here.
Have your best day ever!
~Marcus
Marcus, aloha. Why am I not surprised that you too have read the book? And, better still, that you used to help people build better relationships and develop their people skills within the corporate world.
Marcus, these two paragraphs of yours are what I absolutely believe as well:
“Janet ultimately I believe all people are starving to feel special and be noticed, only because they have not yet learned that they can feel this way by tapping into their own Spirit.
When we make others feel special we help them to lift their consciousness and consequently give of their best because they feel in alignment with who they really are.”
People need someone to hold the light for them so they can see. When we do that for them, ahhh how bright they shine.
And, Marcus, that light reflects back, forward and all around bathing all who come in contact in its glow.
Marcus, thank you so much for the value you always add to the comments section. Your experience with this wonderful book was a great addition.
Wishing you a fantastic Sunday. Until next week, aloha. Janet
You blow me away every time, Janet! I love this article.
My favorite of your suggestions is being specific about feedback- this is so important! It really lets people know what they are doing well, and personalizes appreciation of their efforts.
I also love your suggestion to ask questions. This essential technique is often overlooked as we tend to see the world from our own perception and often don’t even realize someone else may have different ideas or a different view.
Be grateful,
Chrysta
Chrysta, aloha. Thx so much for your kind words which brought a huge smile to my face.
Chrysta, like you, I believe it is so important to be specific when you comment to people. While it is certainly nice to be told “well done” or “you’re great,” it is ever-so-much more meaningful when people put the Why with it.
As it happens, I am huge fan of asking questions. To me, it just makes everything so much easier. If you want to know ask. If someone doesn’t want to tell you; they won’t If we don’t ask, we go on our merry way taking actions based on our assumptions–definitely not a good thing to do.
Well, Chrysta, now I have to put on my thinking cap for another topic which will delight you.
Best wishes for a wonderful weekend of scooting around. Until later, aloha. Janet
Janet,
In my 60+ years, I have not often come across leaders who do as you suggest, but when I have, it made all the difference! Thanks for putting this all together so nicely.
Blessings,
Gary
Gary, aloha. Welcome to my blog. It is always such a pleasure to meet first time visitors.
Delighted to hear that you enjoyed the post and have been fortunate enough to interact with such leaders.
Look forward to seeing you again soon and to visiting you over at your place. Best wishes for a fantastic weekend. Until later, aloha. Janet
This is phenomenal! The quotes, the ideas, the layout…. I loved every bit of it! It’s quite inspiring
I wanted to add my two cents by saying that in my experience people want to work together! People aren’t always the easy to get along with, but if you can get everyone to focus on a common goal (communication is key!), then everyone will be willing to take on any responsibility that you have for them…. just remember that with a common goal anything can be achieved, business related or otherwise.
Keep Posting!
Penny
Penny, aloha. Welcome to my blog; it is always such a pleasure to greet first time visitors.
Your two cents is worth far more because you are 100% correct; people do want to work together. If they follow your advice with good communication, the experience can be both productive and enjoyable.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Penny. Not to worry, I will keep posting because I love visiting with folks in the comments section. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet, I hope you don’t think short comments are some kind of sin.
Because I’d just like to say, “Well done.”
Thx, John. From you, John, never because you are a master with words. The ultimate word weaver!
I’ve never read this but I can definitely relate to almost everything you’ve pointed out.
Okay, you know what sticks with me the most right! Yep, hanging around positive people and being very enthusiastic. Does that sound like someone you know!
Wow, you know what! I think that makes me a leader then. I catch myself doing this for not only my team that I work with but all my online and offline friends. I’m the person they call to give good news too because they know I was the one that believed they could achieve what they did.
I have a friend who is in sales. He called me one day so excited because he was listed #2 for that pay period of having the most sales. The #1 spot was always taken by this one particular guy because he had a lot more clients, worked a lot more hours and had a lot more contacts. But I continued to tell my friend that the next time he calls me with good news, it’s going to be that he’s in the #1 spot because I believed he could. I swear to God he called me three weeks later and was beside himself. Sure enough, he was in the #1 spot for that pay period and I think he even surprised himself. I love getting those kinds of calls.
Thanks again Janet for such an inspiring post. I don’t know how you do it but you blow me away every time I visit. I want to crawl inside your brain one day and just sit and suck up all that knowledge you have. Man, that would be so much fun!
Hey, have a fabulous weekend!
Adrienne
Adrienne, aloha. Yes, Adrienne, hanging around with positive people and being enthusiastic does sound like someone I know.
Adrienne, your friends call because you listen, you give clear feedback, you care and you help them see what they cannot yet see. With you as a friend, each person has his/her own private cheerleader.
Thx so much for letting me know this post resonated with you. Interesting that you said you would like to crawl inside my brain because I have had others tell me that they can’t even imagine what it must be like inside my head. All they know is they don’t want to be there.
Best wishes to you, dear lady, for a fantastic Sunday and a fabulous week. Until later, aloha. Janet
Man, that quote about enthusiasm hit the spot. Janet, you are so on point about enthusiasm being contagious … it’s always a pleasure to be around these types of people. This isn’t my first time hearing about “Bringing Out the Best in People?” – I’ll definitely need to give it a read.
Thank you, once again for a great post Janet.
Vitaly, aloha. Thx so much for stopping by and letting me know this post resonated with you. The book is common sense, however, as we know all too well, sometimes common sense isn’t all that common.
It was fun putting it together because I do love quotes. As it happens, I am going to expand this post to include all 12 principles and then it will be a guest post over at 12 Most.
Best wishes, Vitaly, for a terrific rest of the weekend. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet -
Well said! What a great reminder – especially as one realizes all the opportunities around us to put these principles into practice. I love the practicality and examples you provide. Thanks for the great post and for the inspiration.
Carma, aloha. Welcome to my blog. It is always such a pleasure to greet first time visitors. Carma, I like the tagline of your blog “Unleashing Potential” and look forward to reading your posts.
Thx so much for letting me know this post resonated with you. Look forward to seeing you again in the not too distant future. Until then, aloha. Janet
Hi, Janet,
Wonderful and inspiring post! You sure know how to bring out the best in a person, and that is noticeable from the comments here, as you easily involve people in sharing and discussing-adding extra value to the topic itself. I agree that we can all learn from each other-it’s just important that we listen, and hear. My idea of getting the best from people is to be positive towards everyone, not making judgments or prejudices, and try to feel them as they are most important. I never underestimate other person’s abilities-if anything, I rather always choose to inspire and give useful advices.
Nevertheless, I do not know how successful I am in all this, but my friends should answer that question better than me.
Kristina, aloha. Thx so much, Kristina, for your kind words; they are much appreciated.
Kristina, I love this phrase of yours “is to be positive towards everyone, not making judgments or prejudices, and try to feel them as they are most important” which I believe is the secret to success. Or, the secret to success of making people feel good and inspiring them.
No doubt, Kristina, your friends would say you do an excellent job of bringing out the best in them. Best wishes for a terrific Sunday. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet, this is an excellent list on how to bring out the best in people. I would add flexibility as a crucial ingredient as well. Say someone wants to work through lunch so they can catch a 4:30 exercise class with their buddies. Say someone else works best by not being interrupted for a couple of hours a day with visits, phone calls or e-mails. Say someone else would be a more productive employee working 10 to 6 instead of 9 to 5. It’s important for leaders to carefully consider these requests — don’t just say NO. Sometimes respecting other people’s work styles and work/life balance is the best way to get employees to give you their most fabulous work. They’ll be happier and they’ll perform better for your company. Thanks! @kamkansas
Kathy, aloha. Welcome to my blog; it is always such a pleasure to greet first time visitors.
Kathy, this statement of yours is so true:
“Sometimes respecting other people’s work styles and work/life balance is the best way to get employees to give you their most fabulous work.”
Leaders consider requests and work with people for optimum results. They know how to bring the best in people which benefits them and the company.
Thx so much for your value adding comment. Best wishes for a terrific week. Until later, aloha. Janet
The enthusiasm helps reminds us how fortunate we all are- thanks for a well-thought out post.
Thx so much, Ridgely, glad it resonated with you.
Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet
So, one of the few assumptions I ever make is that people WANT to do their best. They have to go out of their way to prove otherwise. I find that starting this way often assures its veracity, since so many people never find themselves in such a position.
Perfect, Roy. Like you, I too make that assumption and I have found it works well.
Makes more sense to look for the good rather than the bad, don’t you think? You will find what you seek.
Wishing you a week filled with serendipitous happenings. Until later, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
This was a really great article.
Back in 2007, Bob Schmidt recommended this book as a “must read.” Because I very much wanted to do well in Network Marketing, I picked up an old copy and read it cover to cover. It was an easy read and there were lots of good, positive thoughts packed inside. Yet, reading your article today made me realize, I should re-read this book.
Thank you so much for reminding me (and others) to care more, do more, love more and be more.
Have a happy day,
Gidget
Gidget, aloha. So glad you enjoyed it. This book is just one of the many great things I learned from that man. Even years after his death he continues to impact people in positive way. Isn’t that a wonderful legacy to leave?
Do re-read the book, Gidget; guaranteed you will discover more gems this time when you read it.
Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet