Running a business is hard work, running a business with employees is even harder work. Whether you own a business or manage it for others, leading other employees can be a daunting task. Sometimes all sorts of personalities can make up your workforce, making it even more difficult to have everyone on the same page. In order to successfully lead others, you must know how to successfully motivate them. While some try to motivate their employees through bonuses, foods, and even happy hours, it may not always be the most effective approach. Both the Harvard Business Review and Time have released interesting publications on how to successfully motivate others – including your employees. Here are a few points you should especially consider.
It’s important to inspire your employees in order to properly motivate them. Work culture has to be infused with some meaning for employees to feel passionate about their occupations. According to the Harvard Business Review, people who have a sense of purpose in their workplace feel more focused and creative. The main way of instilling this sense of purpose is to stress that their work is directly impacting people’s lives, or the company itself. Client testimonials of successful service delivery can inspire workers to appreciate their own work. Other ways you can inflict inspiration is by creating workplace support programs, which allow employees to help others in efficiently carrying out their daily tasks.
As a leader, one can better inspire their employees by effectively leading. Leaders that are cooperative, dedicated, committed, and selfless in the office place promote a strong work environment. Working alongside subordinates is an especially great way to motivate employees. Lead by example, and your employees will surely follow.
Showing kindness to employees should be a given in any workplace. However, managers, leaders, and owners often overlook this very important quality. Recognizing employees for their hard work is a great motivating factor. By creating relationships, leaders instill in their employees a sense of commitment that would otherwise not exist. Asking basic questions like “how was your day” or “how is your family doing” show that you care about them not only as employees but as people as well. Although some negative feelings such as anger can also motivate employees, they can easily break bonds in the long run. Of course, keeping a professional demeanor between you and your employees is important, so make sure you show kindness and professionalism in conjunction with each other.
Finally, emphasize progress. Combining the first point and second points, emphasize to your employees that their work is not only valued but directly responsible for the company’s growth. Knowing that your work is contributing to the well-being of a company only motivates employees to work even harder. Even more important, emphasizing your company’s progress demonstrates stability, and therefore, job security. Everyone wants to work for a ship that’s up and running, but not a ship that’s still, or even sinking. Success will motivate employees to stay onboard, and as committed as ever.
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