As a modern-day manager in a pandemic in the year 2022, you need to be able to lead, engage, motivate and inspire your team. All in a day’s work. It is not easy. And often there are days you are the one that needs to be engaged and inspired to keep on keeping on. But how do you sustain team motivation day in and day out?
WHY IS TEAM MOTIVATION SO IMPORTANT?
Does your team come to the office every day eager and enthusiastic to work? Are your employees keen to contribute to the growth of the business? Are your staff engaged and inspired? If not, you may be facing an employee engagement gap. That is, a team that does not feel motivated or connected to their role. This is a dangerous environment. And it can be a serious business issue. A disengaged employee can have a significantly negative effect on productivity, customer service levels, and retention.
HOW TO NAIL TEAM MOTIVATION AS A LEADER
As a strong leader, it is up to you to motivate and engage your employees. There are plenty of ways to make your team feels more inspired by their work. And the good news is, that many of these methods can be incorporated easily into your day-to-day operations. Here are 5 Ways to Nail Team Motivation as a Leader to help you get that little bit more from everyone around you at work.
1. KEEP THEM CONNECTED TO THE COMPANY
If you fail to share crucial company information, either intentionally or unintentionally, employees will come to their own conclusions. Whenever feasible, give your team updates on the organisation’s performance and long- and short-term goals. Also, explain what this information means for them and their jobs. Keeping your team in the loop will help them feel connected to the company.
2. BE CONSISTENT
Yes, you need to treat each employee as an individual and tailor your approach to their needs. But don’t reprimand one office assistant for taking too long to process the forms while allowing another to go days over the deadline on a similar project. No one likes to work for a manager who appears to always turn to their favourites.
3. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
The adage “Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t work well in business. You should exemplify the standards you hold your employees to, especially when it comes to punctuality, appearance, courtesy, and willingness to pitch in when needed.
4. ASK FOR INPUT
The four most important words in business – What Do You Think? Actively seek feedback from team members. Maintain an open-door policy and an open mind. That is, so it is easy for staff to approach you. Some members of your team may be uncomfortable sharing their thoughts without a gentle nudge. Reach out to them directly to ensure their ideas are heard.
5. CARE
As a leader, getting to know your employees so you can relate to them on a personal level can be really helpful. Make a point to ask about their hobbies and interests. The better you know them, the more effectively you’ll be able to identify what motivates each one.
6. ACKNOWLEDGE INITIATIVE
Encourage your employees to come up with new ideas and put them into action. Your teams will know that you value their opinion. But don’t forget to acknowledge initiative when they go beyond the work order. Acknowledge and compliment their efforts. But make sure it is sincere. An appreciated staff member is a very productive one as well.
7. OFFER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Most professionals want to keep learning and improving their skills so they can advance in their careers. Support and encourage that desire to learn by offering training programs, mentoring and tuition assistance for work-related courses. And remember – when on a training course with your team, be sure to attend the workshops, it shows you to are invested in the learning, even if you already know it. One of the most successful team bonding sessions is our DISC Understanding Behaviour Workshop – now that is a fun, activity-high, knowledge-rich experience for you and your team!
8. BE FRUGAL WITH MEETINGS
If your employees are constantly in meetings, they’re more likely to feel disconnected from their regular assignments because they don’t get enough uninterrupted time to concentrate on those tasks. Before you call a formal meeting, make sure it’s really needed. It’s equally important to keep these gatherings brief and to the point.
Finally…
The way businesses operate is changing significantly, especially with the work from home and hybrid options set to stay. By keeping your team motivated, you’ll be able to incorporate new ways to celebrate, reward, and inspire your employees to keep producing work of high standards.
Call the HBB Group 1300 833 574 or email info@healthybusinessbuilder.com.au to discuss which tailored option is best for your team’s growth.
