How do you motivate and invigorate your people in difficult times?

These days, if you are a leader of any kind, you cannot order people around you and expect what you want from them. If you watch, they may follow your advice, but once they are left alone they will go back to doing what they think is important.

Leaders need to win the support of the people today more than ever. There are two main ways to do this: motivation and inspiration. Although these two words are often used differently, they really mean different things - depending on what you want to achieve.

Motivation is motivating people to act in a way that achieves a specific and immediate goal. When you motivate people to do something they don't really want to do, you have to give them something in return.

When coaches give their teams an audience talk at half time, they use motivation. They want to get their players back on the field or on the court with renewed vigor and focus, even if they are tired or discouraged from trying. Their reward? Victory.

Tell people exactly what you want them to do.

Motivation is about motivating people, so don’t be vague. Avoid commonplace things like "I want everyone to do their best". Instead, say, "I want you to come over the weekend so we can get this project done on time."

1. Limit the amount of time or effort that you’re asking for.

2. Share in the sacrifice.

3. Appeal to their emotions.

4. Give people multiple reasons for doing what you want them to do.

Use these 5 steps too inspire your people:

1. Be the change you want to inspire.

2. Tell a story.

3. Appeal to people’s value system.

4. Trust people.

5. Challenge them.