Something almost every manager struggles with at some point in their career is motivating those they’re leading. Everyone needs to be motivated. Sometimes it’s encouraging a less engaged team member to be more engaged. Other times it is making sure your all-star performer doesn’t become complacent.
One of the biggest challenges a manager faces when motivating members on his team is knowing which techniques to use for each team member, which is why they must be able to motivate in several ways.
Try these motivational techniques to improve employee engagement and keep your team working as efficiently as possible:
Develop Your Employees
One of the most powerful things a leader or manager can do is genuinely care about those they are managing. Showing care and consideration for an employee’s career and professional accomplishment can be a great way to give an employee a vote of confidence and improve their attitude as well. You can do this by making time for direct coaching, mentoring or simply having discussions about how they feel they are doing and where they are going.
Take a Genuine Interest in Their Life
When employees begin to feel like just a cog in the wheel or that their boss doesn’t care about them, it becomes extremely damaging to employee morale. “Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.”, said Dale Carnegie, the author of “ How to Win Friends and Influence People” Showing employees that you care about their lives outside of work by doing something like allowing more flexible work schedules can make a big difference in employee attitude.
Show Sincere Recognition of Improvement & Achievement
One of the simplest ways to motivate people is to acknowledge their accomplishments. Don’t let improvements and successes go unnoticed. People like to know when they’re doing a good job or are improving. Utilize this simple technique to let your employees know you’re paying attention to their hard work.
Tie Individual Bonuses to Company Performance
This tactic is more difficult than the rest and is probably easiest for a smaller company. If employee compensation is tied directly to company performance, employees will have a direct incentive to give their best each and every day. After all, anything less than their best may cost them money in the end.
Let Employees Take Ownership
Micromanaging will not motivate your team and, if anything, will diminish their confidence. Giving people responsibility is a vote of confidence in them and will usually motivate them to show you that they can be trusted with that responsibility and more.
Treat Others How You Want to be Treated
If there is something a manager or boss has done to you that frustrated you, it will probably make other people feel the same way. Treating your employees the way you want to be treated is a great way to show them that you respect them. The best way to earn respect is to give respect, and people will be much more motivated to work hard for someone they respect.
The most important thing to keep in mind when motivating employees is what is important to them. If you understand what they care about and what matters to them, you will have an easier time connecting with them.
Bio: This article was written by a staff member at Dale Carnegie Training, a company founded on the principles of the famous speaker and author of “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Today, the company offers leadership training and sales training to help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.
