Motivation is made of internal and external factors that drive us to achieve our goals. For a company leader, motivation is about connecting these factors and finding the combination of driving forces that motivates and inspires each employee. Internal factors include an individual’s values, and the desire to develop while external factors can be rewards or a higher salary.
Most of us probably know some of the most common reasons for lack of motivation. We can become unmotivated when we feel unseen, not listened to, or not informed about what’s happening.
Research shows that motivation is created when employees in an organization get their basic needs satisfied and feel a sense of belonging. Having clear goals that employees feel they’ve been part of setting also creates motivation.
To truly motivate and create trust in your employees, you must understand that it’s a complicated process. All people are individuals, so it isn’t a simple model to follow that will work for all members of your team.
In the article below, we share some efficient ways to steer your team members in the right direction and help them feel motivated and inspired.
Show Appreciation
Everyone who works at a large company has probably at some point felt a little unappreciated by their employer or manager, and it’s precisely for this reason that it is so incredibly important for the company management to show their employees appreciation. And this is where implementing corporate gifting tactics can come in handy.
Corporate gifting has become a huge trend in recent years, meant to build a stronger connection between the recipient and the company. Corporate gifts can include anything from physical items like branded swag to virtual ones like gift cards or concert tickets.
One of the things that can seriously harm your company is having employees and customers feel underappreciated. Sending your team members a gift can show them that the company values them and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to show your deep gratitude for their loyalty.
Offer Self-Development Opportunities
Encouraging and offering your team members self-development opportunities can bring plenty of benefits for both the employees and the company. When your team members see that you are interested in helping them grow and further develop their skills, they are more likely to get inspired and motivated at their workplace.
Consequently, this will lead to increased creativity and productivity, as well as improved job satisfaction and top talent retention. If you encourage self-development as an employer, you can find yourself with a more skilled and adaptable workforce, which is a great asset in today’s changing business environment.
Start by developing a clear and concise plan for each of your team members in terms of what you expect of them and make sure to encourage them to take on new responsibilities and challenges. Organize regular performance reviews and development meetings and discuss their progress. A personal development plan for work can be a great way for your team members to set and achieve goals, become more engaged, identify areas for growth and track their progress over time.
Don’t be afraid to challenge your employees. You probably know how boring it can be to come to work every day and never feel like you’re developing or learning something new.
Give Feedback
Motivate your employees and show that you care through continuous employee conversations. When you gain trust from your employees, you’ll also succeed in laying a foundation for getting consent to give feedback to employees to achieve your common goals.
Make sure to give constructive feedback so that your team members can be as efficient as possible. Focus on the types of behaviors that the employee engages in that make them productive. Also, give feedback on how the employee’s behavior affects others.
Does the individual communicate clearly and have they contributed to making it easier for other employees to understand and carry out their tasks? Don’t forget that feedback works both ways and make sure to encourage your employees to provide you with it.
Be Present and Supportive
Whether you work on-site or remotely with your team, your presence as a leader is critical to maintaining motivation. Being present and engaged contributes to your authenticity as a leader, which in turn contributes to motivated and inspired employees. An easy way to start is to remember something as simple as saying “good morning” and asking your coworkers how their day is going.
It may be frustrating when one of your team members doesn’t deliver, especially since their performance reflects on you. But by creating an environment where you show that you care, you create valuable trust. When your team feels supported, it will become more motivated, even in adversity.
Conclusion
Motivation rarely comes in one form. One solution doesn’t suit everyone so the best thing you can do is listen and respond accordingly. Be open about your expectations, but also about your team members’ expectations. Invest in employee development as much as possible and dare to challenge them while being supportive.
