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Step by step motivating your team People who are unhappy at work do their jobs badly, are often absent and are likely to leave. Your business will suffer unless you understand what motivates your team and take positive steps to meet their needs. The ability to manage people well comes easily to some, less so to others, but is essential to business leaders. Whilst there is no magic formula, our notes on motivating your team concentrate on the practical things that you can do to make a difference. Your behaviour is one of the strongest influencers of the attitude and motivation of your people. It is absolutely critical, therefore, that you are committed and motivated yourself.
Remember that we are all at our most effective when we enjoy our work:
Provide the best working environment that you can. Providing up to date equipment, good facilities and nice surroundings can be a sound investment. Try to avoid signaling that some employees are more important than others, eg different car parking arrangements, segregated eating areas. Allow people control over their own environment and the freedom to make decisions that affect them. Manage by objectives which are specific, agreed and measurable eg we are going to increase sales by 5% in Quarter 2. Measure everyone's contribution and help them to measure their own performance. People like to see how well they're doing. Set high standards that stretch people: challenge is a big motivator. Meet regularly to discuss individuals' progress against their objectives. Employees will take an interest in the business if they know what's going on:
Pay people fairly and competitively and link financial rewards to individual performance whenever possible. Use incentives and bonuses wisely, to encourage and reward superior performance. Non-financial reward can be equally powerful: recognition from management can be a real motivator. Other factors include:
Show your appreciation. A simple 'thank you' is often underestimated.
Further information For further information, read our guides to
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