A common conundrum for contemporary leaders is the need to keep teams engaged and inspired whilst doing more with less.
Whilst there is no single solution, there are a range of things leaders can do to help their people feel supported, valued and motivated to perform at their best.
Motivated employees can be the driving force behind improved morale, innovation, productivity and progress.
So, let’s explore just seven strategies you could employ to unlock your team’s potential.
- Communication
Open, honest communication is the cornerstone of a motivated workplace. Employees want to feel informed about what is happening around them. Ask your team how they want you to communicate and when. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to over-communicate than to under-communicate, so my suggestion would be to do it more often than you think you need to. Encourage feedback and create avenues for two-way communication to foster a sense of belonging and ownership.
- Recognition and appreciation
We all want to feel that we matter and that we’re making a difference. Acknowledging and appreciating your team members’ efforts will go a long way to fostering motivation. Consider implementing a robust recognition program that celebrates both big wins and small victories. Whether it’s a simple handwritten ‘thank you’ note, public recognition in team or organisation-wide meetings or rewards for outstanding performance, make sure employees feel seen.
- Set clear goals and expectations
You may want to create a culture of flexibility, but I have found out the hard way that ambiguity breeds confusion and demotivation. As a leader, it’s important that you set clear, achievable and measurable goals that are aligned with the organisation’s objectives. This can be done via position descriptions and KPIs, but also through less formal means, such as team or one-on-one meetings. Clarity in expectations empowers employees to channel their efforts effectively.
- Create a positive work environment
Shifting workplace culture can take concerted effort over a long period of time, but the outcome – a positive work environment – will sky-rocket employee motivation and wellbeing. Begin by collectively agreeing upon your shared values and what they look like in action, ensuring you respectfully hold one another to account for those behaviours. Invest in initiatives that promote wellbeing, such as flexible work arrangements, wellness programs and social activities. Consider some of the pragmatic things such as noise, light, equipment and privacy. Ensure that you, as leader, embody positivity and a proactive, ‘can do’ attitude. You will find it’s contagious!
- Lead by example
Your actions as leader will always speak louder than your words. When you demonstrate passion, dedication, integrity and genuine concern for your team members, you are sending a clear signal about how you expect others to behave. Be approachable, supporting and willing to listen to concerns knowing that in doing so, you will set the tone for your workplace culture.
- Be curious about others
People want to know their leaders see and understand them. Take the time to find out about each team member individually – what motivates them, what they care about most. Be curious about what makes them tick. Then use that understanding to better support your people in ways you know will make a difference to them personally.
- Provide opportunities for development
Almost every person I have asked what motivates them at some point mentions learning and upskilling. People want to grow and evolve. Development opportunities are among the most powerful ways to keep your team motivated, especially when they are tailored to suit individual goals and aspirations. This can be formal learning or informal learning such as coaching and mentoring.
Work with me!
I love nothing more than working with leaders to inspire their teams through motivational workshops and team building days.
Email karen@o2advisory.com.au to find out more.
