One of the key skills for a manager is motivating staff to perform highly in their job role. One of the simplest forms of motivation is to actively encourage them by taking and interest in what they are doing and asking for their opinions and ideas.
This shows that the tasks that they are doing and the role an employee performs has significance in your eyes and by asking for their opinions and ideas that significance is also transferred on to them. This helps boost self-esteem and confidence for the employee and increases the desire to perform well.
Sadly, many managers have the idea that being paid for a job is all the encouragement that should be needed. This can result in the manager becoming detached and distant from their staff as they are expecting them to function in a machine-like way. They fail to realise that humans and life does not work like this and unexpected situations may arise that deflate and de-motivate staff through no fault of their own.
This shows that the tasks that they are doing and the role an employee performs has significance in your eyes and by asking for their opinions and ideas that significance is also transferred on to them. This helps boost self-esteem and confidence for the employee and increases the desire to perform well.
Sadly, many managers have the idea that being paid for a job is all the encouragement that should be needed. This can result in the manager becoming detached and distant from their staff as they are expecting them to function in a machine-like way. They fail to realise that humans and life does not work like this and unexpected situations may arise that deflate and de-motivate staff through no fault of their own.
Motivating by encouragement
In such situations the manager needs to take a lead by showing an interest in their staff by taking the time to talk to them to show support and uplift their spirits. Simple words and acts of encouragement can be priceless in such situations, boosting confidence and winning their loyalty. In turn loyal staff tend to support their company, especially their supportive and encouraging manager, when times are tough.Using praise as motivation
A wise manager will show recognition to a member of staff, or a staff team, for a job well done. Giving well-earned praise gives the employee a sense of achievement and fulfilment. These are pleasurable rewards which they will strive to experience again and again by continuing to produce their good performance. Even a simple off the cuff remark, such as ‘Well done!’ or ‘I like that!’ as long as it is well timed and genuine can be valuable.
When an employee, or team, has genuinely achieved something good, praising them in front of others can boost their self-esteem and motivation. This, in turn, also motivates other employees to similar achievements when they see effort is rewarded.
Of course, ‘Thank you’ costs nothing, but can give so much. Yes, staff are paid for what they do but they will think more of you and the organisation if they are thanked as it shows an appreciation and recognition of their efforts, and anyway, it is simply good manners.
All of the above ideas are free and simple but can really pay dividends in terms of improving staff performance and motivation.
When an employee, or team, has genuinely achieved something good, praising them in front of others can boost their self-esteem and motivation. This, in turn, also motivates other employees to similar achievements when they see effort is rewarded.
Of course, ‘Thank you’ costs nothing, but can give so much. Yes, staff are paid for what they do but they will think more of you and the organisation if they are thanked as it shows an appreciation and recognition of their efforts, and anyway, it is simply good manners.
All of the above ideas are free and simple but can really pay dividends in terms of improving staff performance and motivation.