“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another. It is the only means.” Albert Einstein
We’re all feeling a little beaten down by the recent economic conditions. With hiring freezes many have been doing the job of 2 people with little reward. So, now it’s more important than ever to get your team fired up. Rather than just going through the motions, ensure your team is engaged in their work and delivering that value added component. Here are a few ideas:
1.Set an example – bosses have always expected a lot from their employees and, in today’s day and age, employees are expecting a lot from their bosses. If you want your staff to work harder then step it up a notch yourself. If you want them to be engaged, ensure that you’re engaged.
2.Be accessible – today’s workers value face time. Consider moving your office to a more visible position. This encourages more casual exchanges and fewer barriers. You might be surprised how much you can learn about your people and your business!
3.Communicate – many staff are craving to know that their work matters. So spend the time to sit down with your employees and fill them in on the big picture and how their roles fit into it.
4.Challenge your staff – tap into the intellectual curiosity of your staff by engaging them in business problems and offering incentives for good ideas.
5.Give staff flexibility – give your team some freedom to achieve desired goals using their own approaches. Some of them might be motivated differently.
6.Recognize and Reward – Rewards don’t have to be in cash. Consider more creative options, like a day off, flexible work schedule, team breakfast or a simple thank you.
Now might be the time to pull your team together and give a rousing speech announcing the optimistic outlook on growth and reassuring employees that their hard work during the downturn has not gone unnoticed. If you can engage your staff to have the same passion as yourself and give them the opportunities, they might contribute to your dream and make it better – even better than you ever thought it could be.
