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How to Increase Productivity through a Motivated Workforce

Guest post by: Ann Halloran

Article Overview: As managers, we all want employees who are motivated or engaged at work. We want employees who will not only do a good job, but also go that extra mile when dealing with customers and work colleagues. It is easy to assume that when we see an employee who lacks motivation, that we have "hired the wrong person" for the job.

How to Increase Productivity through a Motivated Workforce

As managers, we all want employees who are motivated or engaged at work. We want employees who will not only do a good job, but also go that extra mile when dealing with customers and work colleagues. It is easy to assume that when we see an employee who lacks motivation, that we have "hired the wrong person" for the job.

But remember that over 70% of employees leave their boss, not their job.

So as a manager, you play a key role in the motivation process. Having worked with managers and their teams over the years, I have seen what works and what doesn't work when it comes to motivating employees.

Here are three steps to help you improve the level of motivation in your workplace:

Step 1: Learn to Let Go

Managers who feel they are indispensable, who work long hours and who don't delegate, are often those who have unhappy, demotivated teams. If you find it hard to let go, work out your rate of pay on an hourly basis. Are you spending your time doing tasks that someone else could do at a lower rate of pay? Learn to let go. Learn to work smarter, not harder. Your team may approach things in a different way to you, but once they get the same result, in the same time, allow them that leeway.

Delegation doesn't mean dumping, so invest time in coaching your team members to take on new tasks, ideally those which are interesting, challenging and within their capabilities. You will both be more motivated as a result.

Step 2: Where did you say you were going?

Are your team focused on the future? Have you shared your vision? Make sure your employees feel they are part of a business that is going places. Set team goals in which they can contribute and help plan ahead. Your goals should be SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-framed. People need clear goals and deadlines. They need to see a way forward to keep them motivated.

Step 3: Catch them doing things Right

When I talk to employees in my work as a consultant, I am often told "We never get any feedback" or "Our manager only talks to us when something goes wrong". Catch people doing a good job and tell them so, ideally in front of others. Do this on a regular basis. Let them know how they are doing as individuals, as part of the team and as part of the business in achieving goals and meeting targets.

Check my website for more advice on motivation and managing employee performance.

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Article Tags: how to motivate, motivating your employees, motivation techniques, motivation tips, productivity



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