All teams need motivation, no matter how accomplished or talented they are. When done effectively, motivation simply enhances and amplifies the best qualities your team already possesses. Unfortunately, effectively motivating your team can be difficult and time consuming. If you’re trying to spur your team to be more productive, efficient, cooperative, and innovative, try out these proven strategies.
Know Your Team Members on a Personal Level
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for motivating a team. Everyone reacts a little bit differently to messages and incentives. You won’t be able to figure out what works for your team until you get to know them as people, rather then employees.
Understand the Pressure on Your Team
There are few things more patronizing than managers who operate as if they are oblivious to the circumstances of the teams they lead. If you can develop empathy with your team and adjust your management style/goals accordingly, it begins to build trust. Then, when you need to ask your team to do more, they are more likely to step up.
Stay in Constant Contact
Maintaining open lines of communication is imperative if you want to keep your team motivated. They should feel like they can come to you if they ever have issues and concerns, and when a new project starts they should have a clear understanding of the goals and the path to success. When employees feel like they are being kept in the dark or intentionally deceived, motivation quickly begins to suffer.
Prioritize Conflict Resolution
Often, the most effective way to keep teams motivated is to diffuse the circumstances that compromise motivation. When someone on your team is delivering a poor performance, coming to work with a bad attitude, gossiping about co-workers, or being openly hostile, address the issue directly and immediately. One person or incident can lower the morale of the entire team.
Show Your Appreciation
It’s only natural that team members will work harder and smarter when they feel like their efforts are being recognized and appreciated. Take the time to show your thanks to team members individually, and the group as a whole. Kind words go a long way, but you might also consider giving out bonuses, plaques, or prizes.
Managing the human element of your team is the most difficult and most important part of your job. Learn more about becoming an effective manager by partnering with the team at The Squires Group.
