Motivating a person is not easy but is very critical if one wants the person to stay satisfied in their job. Motivation is what leads people to work harder, be more productive and helps in arresting attrition. So, can one think of a single strategy that can magically motivate people and more importantly, keep them motivated throughout? I don’t think there is anything available. Every single person is unique and if one wants to motivate multiple persons, one has to apply multiple strategies.
However, I think there are some themes that can be used and will work with a variety of people. Do let me know what you think
- The focus is always on teamwork and it’s benefits nothing ever beats the attention provided to people individually. Taking a moment to speak to an individual alone and personally can make him or her feel truly appreciated. Publicly appreciating their good work and praising them while at the same time spending time with individuals and talking to them about things that matter to them makes them feel very valued. This also ensures that the other people also feel positive about the environment provided to them. More importantly, if someone is under performing, or is overwhelmed by a specific duty, taking them aside and working with them to make the situation better for them is equally appreciated as the person knows that you are behind him/her not only to praise them but also during their tougher times. Individual attention also demonstrates that one cares about the individual behind the work as much as the work itself, and that you're willing to take extra steps to make the individual feel comfortable.
- People tend to feel bored when their job becomes repetitive over a period of time. Staying for long in the same position will eventually demotivate everyone. That said, if one is offered opportunities for advancement and improvement, they will lap it up immediately and that will also motivate them to work harder. This doesn’t mean that it should always involve an increment and a new job title, it could also mean offering new training opportunities or offering new responsibilities, especially when one is willing to take them on. Helping people grow and change, one can expect people to remain excited about their job and be highly productive.
- People are going to look to their leaders to set an example for the rest of them all. Leaders are required to be setting a tone, a work ethic, and a set of values. Setting the right example can have a meaningful effect on the mentality of your group. For example, if one works hard and stays optimistic about everything, even in the face of enormous challenges, the chances of the employees to do the same are rather high.
People are unique and unpredictable, with individual desires. No matter how much ever one has thought through the plan, it may not please all of them at all times. So it is required to that one be flexible and make changes to the plan along the way to ensure that the team stays motivated. This will ensure that the team is efficient and happy, all the same.
