Quick story. Early in career I sensed employees were getting tired of listening to me. I was trying to be upbeat and positive. To reward publicly. To criticize privately. But sensed I was not getting through.
Our boss was really understanding. Encouraged us to come to him any time, with questions. I asked, “Do you ever feel people are not really listening to you?” He laughed. “Oh yea!”
“Want to know how I solved it? As a kid, quotes used to stick with me. Usually better than what Mom or Dad said. I started looking for quotes I could use. To motivate or inspire. I kept list.”
3 ways to get points across
Tell people
Show people
Use quotes (Or another person’s words to get a point across.)
He pointed out that when we are starting out, most of us tell people what we want them to do. That’s least effective.
Far better to show people what you want. Showing beats telling every time.
You can show by walking people through something. Or you can describe in way that paints picture in their mind.
3 things happen when you show people
People notice you are interested in them.
They see example of what you meant.
It’s true. “Picture is worth thousand words.” Your point will be received positively.
Telling people is just the opposite.
You are not showing interest in them, as an individual.
They hear you, but don’t see the picture.
They’ve heard it before. Feels like you have used 1000 words.
Value of quotes
Quotes are another way of “showing” people.
You are using another person’s words. To mentally paint a picture.
You are using “secret sauce.” Quoting someone famous or well-known attaches name to quote. Makes quote more meaningful. Memorable. (Maybe boss knows more than we think.)
How to use quotes for superlative performance.
We use them 16 different ways. Let’s just talk about motivation today.
Quote and who said it, and their background give employees different perspectives. It’s not just boss saying it. Someone else thought it important, too. Especially quotes hundreds of years old. “What’s old is new again.” Takes on different meaning.
Slows down employee thinking. Not everything was developed couple years ago.
In addition to quote, we show employees how they can use it to motivate. Let’s take “What’s old is new again.” We talk about technology. How topic was used in technology 20-30 years ago. Or 50. Then we ask question: How do you think quote will be applied in 5 years?.
Get across to employees how they can use quote to motivate their employees. (“Show” them how versus “telling.”)
Where do you find quotes?
Internet has at least million quotes. On any subject you can think of. But do you have time to look?
When I need a quote I’m in middle of something. I don’t want to stop and go to Internet.
We publish quote of day, source and how we use. They are free. If you are interested sign up. No sales pitch.
A lucky accident.
Many years ago I started keeping a list of quotes that were memorable to me.
I used them to motivate employees in staff meetings, in presentations, speeches, etc. But used them sparingly.
Then I was recruiting for operations worldwide. Fortune 100 Company. We had great receptionists at both entrances to headquarters. Lots of people would come looking for jobs. Receptionists knew what we were looking for. When strong applicant came in, they would send them down to talk with me.
But there was a problem. We had open landscaping, with hundreds of cubicles per floor.
How to direct people to my cubicle. “Go down 27 cubicles and it’s on left, was not helpful.” Nor was “About 40 yards down on the left.”
Saved by Quotes
Receptionist’s knew I used quotes. When I would walk by, see receptionist was frustrated or having bad day. I would go back to desk and grab quotes list. Skim to find quote, usually humorous, that could help their day. I printed it out and just walked by and dropped it on their desk.
One receptionist suggested we print out quote of day.
Post it prominently on edge of my cubicle. Everyone who walked would see it. Direction problem solved. Also gave immediate talking point when candidate came. Set candidates at ease.
Added bonus…none of us saw coming
Word spread throughout 1200 employees that there was a quote down left aisle on main floor. People started walking down that aisle just to read the quote. They didn’t stop, just read quote, in passing. I was quickly known throughout building “as the guy with quotes.” Known by name? That came much later.
Result?
I got promoted. Exec walked by. Had job opening. Liked that day’s quote. Stopped and talked for few minutes. Next day sent me note. Would I be interested in new position.
All because of quotes. You never know the doors that will open based on something you say or write.
Using quotes to motivate employees to superlative performance.
Whether you choose our quotes or from other sources. They can be tremendous motivators to your team. Just tie quote to specific behavior. The better motivated our people are, the stronger their performance. That performance impacts revenues, customer service, and additional ideas and thoughts.
Where do we get our quotes?
From business articles. When we see good one, we add it to list. Then identify how it has or can help our business and grow our employees. You can use ours, or start your own list.
Key to quotes: How to benefit business and employees simultaneously.
Like articles on other 15 ways to use quotes? Send us note from LinkedIn profile.
Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
