Thursday, November 6, 2014
LEADERSHIP - TIPS TO MOTIVATE EMPLOYEES
One of the most frequent leadership questions EffectiveCommunication.com.au (EC) is asked is: “How can I motivate my employees?”
There is no simple answer to this question, especially since motivation comes from inside us. Therefore, what we believe leaders are really asking is: “What actions can I take and what environment can I create that will unleash my team’s potential and create positive energy?”
Now, that is a question to which we have many suggestions. There are ten (10) of them we would like to share with you within this and our next newsletter. Here are the first five (5):
There is no simple answer to this question, especially since motivation comes from inside us. Therefore, what we believe leaders are really asking is: “What actions can I take and what environment can I create that will unleash my team’s potential and create positive energy?”
Now, that is a question to which we have many suggestions. There are ten (10) of them we would like to share with you within this and our next newsletter. Here are the first five (5):
1. Expect A Lot
The best leaders we know have very high expectations for team members. They expect them to work smart, get along with their colleagues, and produce world-class results.
High performing team members are inspired by this type of leader and this type of atmosphere. If you want a mediocre team, have laisse-faire goals and be self-centered.
If you want a motivated and successful team, share your expectations frequently and always expect excellence.
2. Lavish Praise
Have you ever seen a six year old light up because someone told them they just did something wonderful? It is a beautiful sight. Now, we are not implying that you work with a bunch of six year olds. What we are asking is this: Since we have grown up, have we really changed that much with regard to what energises us? We think not. Therefore, recognise the Herculean efforts of your people and lavish praise upon them. Are they just doing their jobs? Well, if your employees are doing it right, let them know you appreciate it. And share your praise in an authentic and appreciative way.
3. Delegate Tasty Projects
Nothing motives team members (particularly high performers) quite like entrusting them with an important initiative. The trust and confidence that is built when delegating something important is priceless. Not only does effective delegation motivate employees, but it serves as a great mechanism for developing their skills.
When delegating, make certain to communicate the specific time frame in which you expect completion. Also, if you want to receive an update, ask for one.
Effective delegators clearly state what resources are available and if they have any availability to help out along the way.
4. Communicate Like Crazy
Leaders who clearly communicate “The State of The Workplace” on a frequent basis effectively kill the grapevine. That’s right, the more you communicate what is going on, the less gossip will be experienced in your organisation. This is a good thing because gossip and the garbage that it spreads creates distractions and de-motivation. By crushing the grapevine, you motivate your team and effectively increase productivity.
5. Demand Innovation
Do not just encourage innovation, demand it. We live in a quickly changing work world. The more forward-thinking your team members, the better your organisation will be served. So many of the innovative answers you seek are right under your nose. Dust off that suggestion box and encourage people to share ideas. Do not make fun of the crazy ideas you come across. Nurture the individual and collective creativity that your team members possess.
A million dollar idea awaits. It is the leader’s job to coax innovation into the open
Bottom Line: Motivation comes from within us. As such, the best leaders find ways to unlock more of what team members have inside them. The more you communicate, delegate, and celebrate the more your team will be pointed in a positive direction. In the process, share your vision and praise. And always maintain high expectations. In the end, your efforts will be richly rewarded as team members strive to achieve great results, remain engaged to your mission, and experience self-satisfaction on their journey.
Look out for our next newsletter for the next five (5) tips
All the best with your leadership!
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
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