MPW Insider is an online community where the biggest names in business and beyond answer timely career and leadership questions. Today’s answer for: How do you stay motivated at work? Is written by Kim Metcalf-Kupres, vice president and CMO at Johnson Controls.
For me, it’s a very easy answer: staying engaged. I love interacting and learning from my colleagues, customers, and team. Exercising and eating right also help, but I find being surrounded by extremely smart and creative people challenges me to remain innovative. Whether these interactions are one-on-ones in the hallway or team meetings, they always motivate me to be a better coach, mentor, and leader.
For instance, not too long ago my team and I went through a major office redesign. The change was dramatic—implementing an open-concept work space—which significantly altered the team’s working arrangements. Initially, this new arrangement was extremely uncomfortable. However, it wasn’t long before my team created regular and open dialogue to discuss what worked and what didn’t in our new office. Together we developed innovative solutions that accommodated all of our specific needs. Watching everyone work together motivated to me to become a better leader and adjust accordingly.
In addition, I’m constantly inspired by the young talent that surrounds me on a daily basis . Their passion and willingness to learn is unmatched . Not to mention, they have some pretty awesome ideas to encourage a collaborative work environment . One of our younger employees suggested creating a rewards board in the center of the office . This board was meant to encourage employees to recognize the great accomplishments of their co-workers by placing a sticky note next to their name , highlighting a great initiative. I regularly pass this board throughout the work day and I love seeing the camaraderie and inspiration it highlights. Seeing our success stories on a daily basis keeps me striving to push not only myself, but my teams to achieve even bigger and better things for our company.
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