Motivated employees are the most productive kind. In order to get the best out of them, you have to keep them working efficiently by their own choice. It can be incredibly frustrating to find yourself with a group of employees that aren’t driven to get the job done. It’s enough to leave you feeling like you’re scrambling for ways to get through to them.
The good news is that even the most problematic employees can usually be inspired by applying the right strategies. Here are some of the best tips for motivating your employees and getting the most out of them.
1. Offer Incentive
Most humans are motivated when there is a prize at the end of the tunnel. Offering an incentive for creating good work is a great way to motivate your team. By showing them that you appreciate them when they produce good work, you’ll find that they’ll be more consistent about delivering results.
There are many different forms of incentives that you can provide for your employees that don’t have to cost much at all. While some employers may go as far as offering bonuses or raises as rewards, your incentive may be something as simple as offering a gift certificate. The idea is to boost motivation, not necessarily having to spend thousands.
2. Be Respectful
While being respectful may seem to many as a logical way to treat your employees, you’d be surprised how many people don’t see it that way. Unfortunately, when you lack respect towards your team, they will usually mirror that behavior. In some cases, it may not be blatant disrespect but more subtle. Although they may follow orders or speak to you respectfully, they may deliver subpar results or fail to deliver results on time.
When you put your best foot forward as a manager, often your employees will put their best foot forward too. If you’re easy to work for, they’ll work for you!
3. Encourage Their Input
Giving your employees room to express their voice is a good way to encourage growth. Making them feel trusted and worthy of giving input is incredibly motivating. If they’re not taking the initiative themselves to speak up, then encourage them to do so. The next time that there is a project on the table or a problem that needs to be solved ask them what they think.
Giving your employees the chance to grow encourages them to do just that.
4. Be Flexible
One of the biggest complaints that employees have about their bosses is their lack of flexibility. While you may think that refusing to bend the rules is enforcing order, it’s actually showing your employees that you’re unwilling to compromise. By offering flexibility, you’ll earn their appreciation as well as respect.
