What is the Most Effective Way to Motivate a Team?

Motivating a team is a core responsibility of effective leadership, yet the methods by which this is achieved vary widely. According to the 2025 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Survey of Members, a clear majority – 45% – of managers identified leading by example as the most effective way to inspire and drive performance within a team. This significantly outpaced other approaches such as setting a clear vision (34%), providing emotional support (19%), and offering incentives (2%).

Leading by Example: The Foundation of Trust

Leading by example entails demonstrating the values, behaviours, and work ethic expected of others. It is rooted in integrity and consistency, and its impact lies in its ability to build credibility and trust – prerequisites for long-term team motivation.

To lead by example effectively, leaders are encouraged to:

• Listen actively to their teams – This fosters an environment where individuals feel heard and respected, enhancing collaboration and morale.
• Take responsibility for their actions – Acknowledging mistakes transparently demonstrates accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Avoid micromanagement – By entrusting team members with responsibility, leaders empower them to take ownership of their work, while remaining available to provide support when necessary.
• Adhere to organizational policies – Compliance with company policies by leadership reinforces standards and expectations throughout the team.
• Pursue ongoing learning and development – A commitment to personal and professional growth models a culture of continuous improvement.

As one survey participant observed: “People are certainly more receptive to leaders who are visible and ‘walk the talk’.”

The Importance of Vision

While leading by example sets the behavioural tone, clarifying and communicating the organisation’s vision ensures that individual efforts are aligned with broader strategic goals. Leaders must do more than reference the corporate strategy; they must translate it into clear, actionable objectives for their teams.

One manager emphasised:“You need everyone to understand the vision and to foster an environment of collective endeavour... It is frightening to talk to many prospective leaders who are oblivious to the vision of the organisation.”

Thus, a well-communicated vision not only guides but also motivates, by helping team members understand how their work contributes to the organisation’s success.

Emotional Support and Incentives

Emotional support, while selected by a smaller proportion of respondents (19%), this remains a vital component of effective leadership. Providing empathy, psychological safety, and encouragement contributes to a positive working environment, particularly during periods of change or high pressure.

In contrast, incentives were seen as a limited motivator, with only 2% identifying them as the most effective method. While rewards can reinforce performance, they are insufficient in isolation and cannot replace the deeper motivators of trust, purpose, and engagement.

Overall, The findings from the 2025 CMI survey underscore that the most powerful driver of team motivation is not external reward, but the conduct and clarity of leadership. Leaders who act with integrity, communicate a clear vision, and demonstrate consistent support cultivate motivated teams capable of sustained high performance.

In essence, effective leadership begins not with directives, but with example. Does your law form need help with motivation? Contact Hopkins Legal Consulting.