Motivation

Ensuring the perfect balance between communication, structure and incentives will result in maximum motivation. To help meet this challenge, here are Inconnection’s 21 tactics for effective motivation.

1) Never Threaten People. 

Threats alienate your colleagues and turn others against you. Instead, highlight the negative impact for everyone in the team which results from failure. Understanding the importance of success will make a significant difference to motivation.

2) Clear Rewards are Essential.

 You need to keep your workforce engaged and productive. In addition, praise good work, specifically pointing out what you are pleased with and why.

3) People Work for Money.

Use performance incentives to provide staff with the opportunity to earn more for themselves by earning more for you. Everyone has a selfish side and the right motivation will put it to work for you.

4) Set Clear Goals.

Be precise about what is expected. If you have a specific goal, give clear and concise instructions on how to achieve it. People work better when they understand what is expected of them.  

5) Measure Progress. 

Use both short-term and long-term goals to guide the process and create an environment in which both measurement and feedback are clear.

6) See Both Sides. 

People will generally work better for you if you consider their personal needs and adapt to suit them. Staff who want to work for you are more valuable than those who feel they have to.  

7) Deadlines Motivate.

People are often at their most productive right before a deadline. Set a series of mini goals at key stages in order to increase productivity, this also helps to make large tasks feel more manageable.

8) Encourage Team Spirit. 

People who feel part of a team will work more effectively and a feeling of camaraderie will create a team spirit amongst staff. Have a clear common purpose in order to get jobs done effectively and don’t forget team rewards such as social events when those targets are met.

9) Please and Thank You.

A simple thank you can be surprisingly effective, especially when you take the time to say why. This action will show that you have taken notice, that you care and that the person in question adds value.

10) Singled Out.

Recognise and reward achievement on a one-to-one basis. Again, this shows that hard work isn’t taken for granted.

11) Tailored Tasks. 

Individuals are all different, so deal with them on that basis. Take into consideration different competence levels. The most able may require more of a challenge. Adapt your style appropriately, from instructing, through coaching to delegating.

12) Stand Back. 

Once you have focused on an outcome, leave people to their own devices. No one works well with someone standing over their shoulder while they work. Clearly communicate the outcome required, and then let them loose to achieve it.  

13) Trust and Respect go a Long Way. 

Show people that you have faith in them and they will try to justify that faith.

14) Create New Challenges.

 We all work better when we have a goal in mind and progression is one of the best forms of motivation. However, make sure you provide helpful feedback on progression so far, as well as advice on how they can improve further

15) Creativity is Key. 

Not everyone works like you, so let people be creative. This provides an optimistic working environment and can also result in some amazing ideas.

16) Constructive Criticism is still Criticism. 

Call it developmental feedback and it’s more positive! Help people to see their faults in a positive way.

17) Demand Improvement. 

Don’t let people lose momentum and merely stagnate. Keep raising the bar and every time someone progresses, raise it that little bit higher.  

18) Make Work Fun. 

Work is most enjoyable when it doesn’t feel like work. Let your staff have fun and a positive environment will lead to better results.

19) Clear the Path. 

Create the opportunity for people to advance. You can’t expect staff to progress if they feel there is nothing to aim for.

20) It’s Good to Talk. 

Communicate to avoid problems. By keeping the airways free for communication you will be aware of issues before they become serious.

21) Mix it Up. 

Stimulate your staff and keep them motivated by changing individual’s tasks and creating a stimulating and creative environment. This also provides the opportunity to reward people when a career promotion may not be an option.  

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