Positive management styles
Positive managers can have a significant impact on creating a positive work environment where productivity can flourish. Some methods of this management style include:
- Provide constructive feedback. Many employees like to know how they are performing against the expectations of their jobs and their peers. Provide feedback in public by recognizing accomplishments at meetings and in private through emails that feature constructive criticism.
- Understand employees’ needs. Taking the time to understand your employee’s needs may help in determining what their individual motivations are. For example, employees with children or aging parents at home may need to adjust their schedules to provide care for them. Others may be most productive in the early mornings and may appreciate having meetings scheduled for the afternoon.
- Manage your involvement. Effective communication is vital to determine the progress of tasks or projects assigned to your employees. Excessive communication or frequent check-ins can be perceived as micromanagement , which may leave your employees feeling mistrusted.
Related: How To Improve Your Workplace Communication Skills
Lead by example
Demonstrating the work ethic you expect from your employees can motivate and empower them to elevate their performance. Even when working on projects that don’t directly involve them, showcasing your strong work ethic reinforces that you do not take your management role for granted.
Incentives and competitions
Supplementing an employee’s compensation with appealing and appropriate incentives can make them feel more valued. Individual productivity or sales contests can foster creative thinking and encourage the exploration of new techniques. Team-based competitions can boost morale among groups, especially those who may not have collaborated before. Additionally, special incentive programs can motivate employees to engage with their work on a deeper level, beyond the specific tasks or goals they are required to achieve.
Advancement opportunities
Offering a career path can go a long way toward focusing the attention of employees who may be discouraged if they do not see a future with the company. A clearly defined advancement path can reduce career cushioning and motivate employees to stay on task and enhance their output. Make sure your employees do not lose sight by:
- Open communication: Maintaining open channels for communication will allow employees to share their goals and any obstacles which may be in the way of reaching those goals.
- Showcase skills: Through special assignments, accounts or leadership opportunities, employees can step into the spotlight and show off additional skills that may benefit the company. Offer constructive feedback when this happens so they are encouraged to continue developing these skills.
- Continuing education: Encourage employees to participate in available professional development courses and training. Investing in improving your workforce may leave employees feeling they have a future with the company.
Engage influential team members
Many companies have individuals who naturally emerge as leaders among their peers, regardless of their job titles or seniority. When it comes to motivating a group of employees, these informal leaders can be an excellent resource. Sometimes, a well-liked co-worker performing an undesirable task can more effectively encourage others than directives from a management position.
Related: The Difference Between Leadership and Management
Reframe goals
How you present goals to investors or groups of managers can be perceived differently by employees. While comprehensive annual goals can effectively guide your company toward success, these broad objectives may feel intangible to individual employees. However, breaking down a large quarterly or yearly goal into smaller, monthly or weekly targets can make it seem more achievable. By outlining small, quantifiable steps, you can motivate employees to take action, especially when they understand how their contributions contribute to the larger goal.
Related: How to Create a Leadership Development Program
Share the big picture
A roadmap is essential in knowing where you are going. While many job descriptions are precise about the tasks and duties an employee is responsible for, some may be motivated by understanding how their job contributes to the big-picture goals of the company. Knowing where management is looking to take the company in the next few months or years gives everyone an idea of where they fit within the company.
Learning to motivate others effectively takes time and careful consideration. By understanding your employees’ talents and needs, you can create motivational strategies that greatly enhance their productivity and happiness, which can positively impact your bottom line. Indeed’s Employer Resource Library offers valuable information to help build stronger, more resilient, and profitable companies.
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