Something that I hear a lot is that something can’t be done. There’s always a valid reason why it can’t be done, too. Instead of thinking about why we can’t do something, focus on how we can.
If you think long and hard enough, you’ll always be able to think of a reason why you can’t do something. Maybe there’s not enough staff, the market isn’t ready, or you lack the skill. Whatever the reason is, forget it. Think in action terms – how could you do it, if you wanted to?
As soon as you think that you can’t, small details become insurmountable obstacles. When you think in action terms, those small details are easily overcome. Don’t let them grow to become show stoppers, and don’t let your staff fall into the same trap.
It’s your job, as a manager at any level, to enable your staff to see how things can be done. If one thing motivates staff, it’s action. The ability for staff to accomplish something challenging provokes and engages them more than almost anything else.