Association, Opportunity, Incentives, and Fear - How Leadership and Sales Disciplines Are Related

Unless forced, a person will only do something wellmake markets for products and/or services even
if they are self-motivated; the word "motivation"when they are playing against the odds. If a
means "motion for action." The word "emotion" isperson is really self-motivated to make a
derived from Latin roots meaning "to move."difference, they will keep trying, even in the face
People are "self-motivated" when they find aof failure.
reason to do something - the decision is oftenLeaders and salespeople use four drivers based
made emotionally, and then justified rationally.upon wants to influence others to achieve results
Leaders have to motivate themselves first,or buy: association, opportunity to gain, incentive,
relying on their own instincts, sometimes inand fear of loss.
uncertain conditions, whereas followers haveAssociation:
leaders to inspire them. Using their best influence,Followers or prospects want to associate with a
leaders establish an environment that enablesrespected or well sought team or buyer group
followers to motivate themselves. However,because they share the same values, attitudes,
followers can be leaders too if they can inspirebehaviors, and beliefs:
others to achieve results.- Becoming a member of a highly visible team,
When tasks are assigned, leaders have to assessappointed by top management, and consisting of
both the competencies and commitment ofthe perceived "up-and-comers" of the enterprise
followers, and qualify them accordingly. If a- Becoming a member of an elite country club or
follower is competent, but not committed, thesimilar group
quality of their work may be substandard. So a- Acquiring products and/or services used by
leader has to influence the follower to commit tocelebrities, such as cars, clothes, electronic
the task so as to achieve quality results.gadgets, and gourmet food and beverages
For all the effort that enterprises expend in- Acquiring "designer label" products and/or
research and development, operations, andservices because they are perceived as stylish
business development, the costs and expensesand in-vogue
are only recovered and profits earned ifOpportunity to gain:
salespeople close sales to move products and/orFollowers or prospects want to take advantage
services to customers.of an opportunity for either tangible or intangible
Salespeople have to motivate themselves first inbenefits:
order to create an environment that influences- Obtaining a job position through which higher
others to buy. It can be an uncomfortable feelingcompensation can be earned
to make a cold call, or to promote a new product- Obtaining a job position through which new
for which there is no track record. However,knowledge, skills, and experiences can be gained
salespeople have to meet new prospects and- Acquiring a product and/or service through
promote new products and/or services on anwhich new knowledge and skills can be learned
ongoing basis to keep their pipelines flowing.- Acquiring real estate in a neighborhood where
Salespeople have to qualify their prospects inproperty values are appreciating quickly
terms of authority, desire, and resources to buy -Incentives:
if a prospect is not qualified, the only answer isFollowers or prospects want to receive rewards
"no."and recognition:
An individual is "casually motivated" when they act- Receiving additional compensation such as higher
regardless of the efforts of others.salary, bonuses, and commissions
To establish an environment that motivates- Receiving awards and citations at "town hall"
others towards the desired result, leaders andmeetings or in the media
salespeople have to understand the difference- Receiving discounts or bonus points, such as
between what people need and what they want.frequent flyer miles
Whereas the needs of individuals tend to be- Receiving invitations to special events not open
rational, the wants tend to be emotional. Forto all employees or the general public
example, a person may need food, but wants aFear of loss:
banquet; may need shelter, but wants a mansion;Followers or prospects fear losing their "want" -
and may need a job, but wants to be boss.the ability to associate, take advantage of an
When needs and wants don't align, influencingopportunity, or receive an incentive:
people to act through their emotions helps as- Perceiving that time, space, or inventory are
savvy advertisers know. Using images and wordsrunning out, such as for events, trips or products
to raise the emotions of followers and prospectsand/or services
can turn a boring task or product into something- Perceiving that someone less qualified will get
exciting and compelling. Even the packaging ofthe offer or incentive
everyday products can create an emotional spark- Knowing that they are not qualified for the
through the use of images and words that createoffer, but the leader or salesperson is ignoring
momentum and urgency.that fact, enabling them to have something that
However, if a person isn't in the mood or is in athey otherwise would not be entitled to
state of denial, then they may not want to act,- Knowing that they are not qualified for the
even though they need to."advertised" offer, but the leader or salesperson is
A mood is less intense than an emotional state,offering something which is more achievable or
and is less likely to be influenced by an event oraffordable, such as a less demanding position or a
situation.less sophisticated product and/or service, without
Denial means that an individual believes a certaincreating an embarrassing situation
condition to be true or false when facts and otherSuccessful leaders and salespeople know how to
information suggest otherwise. Believing that thereuse imagery and language to influence others
is a market for their products and/or services,through momentum and urgency; the alternative
entrepreneurs, executives, and lifestyle businessis force.
enterprise owners can be in a state of denialUsing the four drivers of influence to lead and sell
when the behavior of prospects suggestsare enterpriship (entrepreneurship, leadership, and
otherwise - it's a function of how long they canmanagement) competencies.
withstand the pain. However leading salespeople