Do you jump out of bed to go to work each day?
As business owners, leaders and managers how we motivate our teams is a question that plagues us no matter how the economy seems to behave.
When times were good, I hear people say, “How do we motivate our people?” Five years ago it was easy, money was free flowing, and most employee appreciation budgets were large. We could, through extravagant parties, give large bonuses and provide extensive training and development opportunities.
Now things are different and the rubber meets the road when it comes to employee engagement and loyalty. Budgets for employees are tight or non-existent. We tell our staff “you should feel lucky to have a job.”
I want to encourage business owners and leaders to think about the big picture. Our economy may never be what it was, but it will be back and more competitive. Those companies who have been able to retain their teams with authentic loyalty will be able to sprint past those who have not. Those companies who have not focused on employee engagement will see large turnover, as other organizations who have positioned themselves for growth seek talent. How are you going to keep your employees for the future?
- Do not underestimate the power of one-on-one communication. Leaders mustmake a conscious effort to talk to your teams and understand what they are happy about and worried about, both professionally and personally.
- Continue to conduct performance reviews! Everyone wants to know if they are winning or losing. If you do not tell employees how their performance stacks up, how can you expect them to be engaged in their work?
- Celebrate the small things. Give your employees a reason to celebrate their accomplishments when they align with your company’s objectives. Positive, specific encouragement to your teams will return dividends to your organization.
- Ask employees how they are motivated, what drives them to get out of bed and come to work in the morning.
Most managers do not want to know the answers to the last bullet. I am finding that most people are driven to gather their paycheck. For many business owners, they long for the days where people felt passionately committed to their work, and this is where drive comes in. Most employees are not driven by money. They are driven by autonomy, the freedom to create, give input and be apart of something great. Our job as business owners is to establish an environment where this is possible. How?
- Help your employees determine their strengths and build their jobs around tasks they are good at and they enjoy.
- As your employees form their opinions and foster an environment of innovation and creativity, will trying something new for 30 days kill your business? Give your employees a chance to show you what and how they can contribute.
- Communicate and then over-communicate the vision of the organization. Where is your company going to be in three years and how can each employee help the company get there?
Most of all, think back to when you started your career and the things you wanted from your supervisor. Think about the things you did not want. What motivates you as a business owner, and what gets you out of bed to come to work? The pace, attitude and enthusiasm starts at the top, be an example of what you want to see from your employees.
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