S imon says… “Directions are instructions given to explain how. Direction is a vision offered to explain why.” – Simon Sinek [1]
Winning the market requires you to win your employees too.
A highly motivated workforce is essential to achieving business objectives. An inspired team will meet any hurdle or challenge with fervor.
Your objective — manage, motivate and train. Keep a problem-solving attitude if your employees are going through any adversities. Be there. Listen.
Employees don’t work for you. You work for your employees.
A leader puts each team member in the best position to succeed. It’s more valuable to be a relied upon team member, than a “boss”. This creates an ecosystem of transparency and trust. When it feels safe to divulge workplace challenges — you resolve issues faster and more efficiently. Keeping your business a well-oiled profitable machine.
Keep your employees motivated and avoid any state of chaos with these strategies.
Set Goals
Where do you see your business in a year from now? 10 years?
It’s essential to set goals as it creates a clear vision. It also keeps a level of transparency with what expectations are for the business.
Now, time for a “hard-truth”. No employee is going to care about your business more than you do. Nor should they. Would you expect somebody to love your baby more than you?
But you can change this. Give them a piece.
Or inspire influence by providing incentives and recognition. State how their contributions are making a difference in the organization’s trajectory and mission. People take great pride in accomplishing meaningful work.
Leadership Support
Keep everyone accountable. Including your customers.
If you’re wrong, own up to it. If your employee is wrong, be transparent and find solutions. If your customer is wrong, push-back and be clear.
This mantra shows the team that you’re fair. Not only will you admit when you make a mistake — you’ll also have their back if a customer is in the wrong as well.
Transparency leads to efficiency.
Having this fair mindset shows your team that they can trust you with any of their difficulties or grievances. They’ll see you as a leader who they can lean on.
What increases productivity?
Having a culture of fairness, accountability — and most of all, support.
Show Appreciation
Your team is helping you accomplish something great. Appreciate them.
Recognize those who have outperformed expectations. A thoughtful reward that boosts morale. It confirms that they’ve done excellent work.
Motivating employees is not a day’s affair but a consistent practice that every company should follow. Problem-solve, listen, educate and inspire. Easier said than done. But it’s well worth it.
What are your strategies?
“There are 168 hours in a week-what you choose to do with them is up to you”
