Motivational Speakers for Your Staff?

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Should You Retain Motivational Speakers for Your Staff?

How to Evaluate Motivational Speakers

There seems to be a limitless supply of motivational speakers for hire. Some are very well known, with published books, courses, videos, audio programs, and possibly even clones that can deliver their message at reduced cost to your firm. But when you consider retaining one or more of these people, there tends to be a classic “800-pound elephant” in the room. The question: “Who should I hire and how can I tell the difference between effective and ineffective speakers?”

Most motivational speakers tend to fall into two general groups. One type might be called the “cheerleader”. He/she performs the “rah-rah” function better than many well respected, high profile college football coaches. Excellent purveyors of this motivational speaker type can psych up even the most conservative and timid staff. Experienced “cheerleaders” are wildly entertaining, often appearing to have the talent for a successful nightclub stand-up career.

The second general category of motivational speaker might be called the “content master”. These motivational types are much less flamboyant than the cheerleaders, yet the best ones are also very entertaining. What sets them apart from the cheerleader type is their focus on specific content versus the flash of flamboyant presentation skills. If your firm has one or more specific areas that need increased motivation or performance – and you make these speakers aware of your concerns – they will often tailor their presentation to these items more than to overall motivation.

Evaluating both general types and some of the individuals that practice their magic is a critical component of deciding to use a motivational speaker. Do some research to get recommendations for speakers who may be appropriate for your staff and your current issues. This doesn't mean you need the most well known – and expensive – speaker you can afford. There are many wonderful, effective motivational speakers with much less notoriety who may be perfect for your staff.

It is also very important that you understand the difference – not just in delivery or performance – between the “cheerleader” and the “content master”. Often, the effects of cheerleaders, even the best ones, is short lived. If your motivational needs are for short-term purposes, like the jolt from an energy drink, a “cheerleader” might be the answer.

However, if your needs are more specific, you will often have better success with a “content master”. These motivational speakers tend to get longer-term positive results. If you have specific needs, their targeting of these areas may prove more useful.

What Can Motivational Speakers Do for My Company

Motivational speakers are not universally championed as the best choices to inject new energy and commitment to employee groups. In fact, there are some detractors who believe that there are few motivational speakers that actually help you reach your goals. However, there are many others who believe motivational speakers can have a positive effect on employees – and management, too. Good ones can achieve the following.

• Re-energize a morose staff. Even the most talented employee groups can descend into a malaise that affects their production and performance. Typically, it is not anyone’s “fault” or mismanagement. The repetitive nature of even the most complex jobs can, over time, sap the creative energy and excitement from a team, a department, or an entire company. A good motivational speaker may re-start your staff’s performance engines..
• Introduce operational or procedural changes in a positive and entertaining fashion. As everyone in the workforce knows, change often creates concern, fear, and negativity among employees. Humans  prefer to function within their comfort zones. While it’s true that comfort zones differ, the fact remains that living “outside the box” is often unacceptable. Using an entertaining motivational speaker to introduce or explain coming changes can sometimes ease the pain and help get all staff on the same page.
• Address needed action plans to spur staff motivation. Whether new management action plans are directed at solving operational or profitability problems, or designed to reach new goals and objectives, a good motivational speaker may keep employees’ attention and stress the importance of the action plan in a positive and entertaining manner.
• Try to improve sales and marketing performance. This is the most common reason for using motivational speakers. Both “cheerleaders” and “content masters” can often be effective in re-focusing sales departments on their monthly and annual goals..

You should remember that even the best motivational speakers are neither miracle workers nor are they able to single-handedly embed long-term excitement into any staff. Management has to follow up with support, communication, and enthusiasm. Should a motivational speaker inject some energy and enthusiasm into an employee group, only to hand the reins back to a lackluster management team, the positive effects may rapidly dissipate. It is important that management supports the work of motivational speakers to maximize the re-energization created by the motivational speaker. This may help extend the short-term benefits you receive from a good motivational speaker.

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