Are you struggling to get your team fully engaged? Do some team members seem to be holding back that crucial 1% that makes all the difference? The gap between 99% and 100% commitment isn't just 1% – it's exponential.
The Challenge of Total Commitment
In today's uncertain world, getting team members to bring their absolute best every day isn't just desirable – it's essential for breakthrough results. Yet many leaders make a crucial mistake: trying to motivate others based on what motivates themselves.
The secret to inspiring exponential commitment lies in understanding what truly drives each individual on your team. This is where the EDGE framework comes in.
The EDGE Framework: Four Motivational Drivers
Everyone is motivated differently. By identifying which of these four drivers resonates with each team member, you can customize your approach to inspire total commitment:
E – Esteem More
Some people are fundamentally driven by recognition and status. They want to:
- Be acknowledged as among the best at what they do
- Win awards and contests
- Gain prestige within the organization
- Stand out for their excellence
When motivating “Esteem More” individuals, emphasize how their contributions will be recognized and how they can distinguish themselves through their work.
D – Do More
These are your productivity-focused team members. They measure success by:
- Getting things done efficiently
- Achieving tangible results
- Completing processes effectively
- Making measurable progress
When working with “Do More” individuals, highlight how your initiatives will help them accomplish more and increase their productivity.
G – Get More
Traditional compensation motivators fall here. These team members are focused on:
- Earning higher salaries or commissions
- Receiving bonuses
- Increasing their revenue
- Acquiring specific things they value (vacations, possessions, experiences)
For “Get More” people, be clear about the financial rewards and what those rewards will enable them to acquire.
E – Enjoy More
This dual-focused motivator encompasses both:
- Positive enhancement: Spending more time with family, pursuing hobbies, enjoying life
- Negative reduction: Experiencing less frustration, reduced stress, fewer obstacles
When motivating “Enjoy More” individuals, emphasize how your initiatives will either add joy or eliminate pain points in their lives.
Applying the EDGE Framework
To effectively implement this approach:
- Self-reflect: Which motivators drive you personally? Understanding your own drivers helps you recognize when you're projecting them onto others.
- Ask better questions: Get to know your team members on a deeper level. What excites them? What are their personal goals?
- Match your language: Frame conversations around each person's primary motivators, not your own.
- Be intentional: Design incentives and recognition that align with individual motivational patterns.
The Exponential Difference
The final 1% of commitment unlocks exponential results. When team members are fully committed, results multiply across every area of your organization.
By applying the EDGE framework, you'll create an environment where everyone feels personally motivated to bring their absolute best, regardless of their title or the circumstances.
Are you ready to transform your team's commitment from incremental to exponential?
Credit and gratitude to Craig Valentine and our World Class Speech Coaching Curriculum for the EDGE Framework.
