Having ways to keep your workforce motivated is a vital skill for managers in every industry, not just for professional business motivational speakers! Several research studies have been done in this area and have shown a few uncomplicated but tremendously useful pieces of advice for keeping staff cheerful and fruitful, even in hard business times.
Here's a great tip from a top business motivational speaker: When you have the occasion to talk about personal issues with your people, listen when they disclose to you what's of great consequence to them. This will give you tremendous insight into the types of things that would motivate them. Quite a lot of research has been directed in this area and so here are a few tips for motivating your team.
1. People Respond To Positive Energy
As any top business motivational speaker will tell you, receiving positive comments from coworkers is music to a person's ears. People love to hear that they're doing a good job and will respond very positively to compliments about their wonderful work. This will be effective with the not so wonderful employees as well; you just have to give it some time. Once a person like this sees that you've noticed their good work, you'll notice their attitude about work will begin to change for the better.
2. Reaping Rewards
It's well recognized that good attention works better than negative attention when attempting to change an individual's behavior. In tough times, it is vitally important to recognize good work quickly and publicly. Even if it's merely a verbal 'thank you for doing such a great job', staff will respond enthusiastically to the positive attention being paid to them. And giving compliments in the presence of other staff members can be the fuel that carries your organization through. People are very willing to work hard for someone that values their work and input. And bear in mind that very small 'rewards' given out often can have much more long term impact than one big promotion in a years time. If something is great, tell him now, not later.
3. Small Training Investment Now, Big Returns Later
Improving the skills of your employees through training sessions can be very good indeed. By paying for extra training, you're telling to your team that you appreciate them and are prepared to invest in the polishing of their skill set. This sends comforting signals to staff and can really enhance how they look at their job. And being presented with a paid opportunity to get away from the normal workplace can recharge the batteries.
4. Laugh Together
Sometimes, especially in very trying economic times, laughter is the best medicine. Try implementing some inexpensive but fun things into the agenda. Casual Friday is one example, or offering flex time can be a big motivator for some folks; letting them work late one day and leave early on another. Perhaps bringing in a special coffee once a week. Anything that makes people feel that they're being treated respectfully and being appreciated. It's part of human nature that a person will value someone who values them. Bottom line, you won't even need to book a business motivational speaker!
