Posted: Thu 12 Jan 2012
It is vital to not only have a motivated team but one that is fully engaged as they should take you calmly through the uncertain and challenging times ahead. As market conditions improve you will reap the rewards from the investment you make; for instead of plotting their next career move members of your teams will stay with you, retention levels will be higher and so will your bottom line.
So what should you be doing to motivate your team?
- Communicate with your people - keep everyone informed of what is going on, both in good times to encourage, and bad to reassure.
- Give recognition - make people feel valued for a job well done. Celebrate the mini victories as well as the major ones as small gestures can have a big impact. Something as simple as sending a birthday card, organising a team outing or taking an interest in people's lives outside work. This doesn't cost a lot but goes a long way to making people feel valued and in turn they will value you as an employer.
- Training and coaching - there is nothing more de-motivating in uncertain times than not having the adequate skills to do your job effectively, make sure skills gaps are filled and competencies are refreshed upon to create leaner and more resillient teams.
- Mentoring and buddy systems - this a great way to provide support and utilise the experience and skills already in within your organisation.
- Lead by example! - Maintain an upbeat attitude - keeping morale high is one of the 'vital sings' of a healthy organisation.
Motivation and engagement should be at the top of every managers agenda for 2012 - no organisation can afford to employ people who aren't reaching their potential, or worse lose your star people because they're feeling undervalued or uninspired. Investing time and money into engaging your staff before it becomes an issue will pay dividends.
What are you doing to motivate your teams in 2012?