To motivate employees, you don’t have to throw elaborate parties or offer them big bonuses. In fact, engaging your staff, often comes down to a few simple acts and well-timed phrases.
Yet, despite how easy it is, too many leaders (especially new leaders) fail to take the time to show employees appreciation and respect. Don’t make that mistake. Instead, motivate your employees, boost morale and productivity, and start your new leadership role off on the right foot by following this seven-day plan, says Donna Cutting, Founder & CEO of Red Carpet Learning Systems, Inc.
Day 1: Walk the floor of your workplace and spontaneously praise people
Just taking five minutes each hour to walk around and compliment employees on their work can make a huge difference. Spontaneous praise is often more genuine and it reminds employees that even the most menial tasks matter and have a purpose.
Day 2: Thank an employee face-to-face and explain how the person makes a difference to your company
Make a conscious effort to intentionally seek out one person and commend his or her specific behavior or action that made the organization better. That validates employees work and let’s them see how they fit into the bigger picture.
Day 3: Divide a piece of paper into two columns. In the first column, list the names of all your direct reports. In the second column, write something positive about each person.
Next, carry that list with you for a week. When you have the opportunity, privately share the praise with each person on the list. The simple act of writing down employees’ contributions forces you to see everyone as an asset, which immediately improves your attitude about and toward each employee. Additionally, it helps you form a habit of remembering to show appreciation and to notice the kind of things that deserve it.
Plus, this method works because you recognize everyone, rather than a select few, which can often breed resentment and unhealthy conflict.
Day 4: Go on WOW patrol
Choose one employee who really went the extra mile recently and heap on the praise. For example, gather a group of teammates, department heads or other coworkers, and write positive messages on sticky notes. Plaster those sticky notes all over that person’s work area. Take the person out to lunch or allow him or her to leave early for a day. Or offer a simple standing ovation. The purpose of Day 4 is to give someone a big and visible WOW to make the person’s day, and show him or her how much everyone appreciates his or her hard work.
Day 5: Start a “travelling trophy”
Create a fun trophy (e.g., a rubber chicken, a stuffed animal or something humorous that goes along with your mission or brand). Award one team member with the trophy, explaining why he or she received it. Then ask the employee to award the trophy to another employee at the end of the day. That recipient should then reward the trophy to someone else at the end of the next day. Keep the process going.
Peer recognition is a powerful motivator, and this a fun way to encourage employees to acknowledge one another.
Day 6: Mentor a direct report
Have lunch with a direct report, and talk about the person’s career goals. Figure out how to encourage and help the person reach those goals. If possible, delegate challenging assignments that would help the person along his or her desired path.
Then ask for the person’s opinions, no holds barred, about how things are going at work. What are his or her specific concerns and suggestions for improvement? Thank the employee for the input and work to either appease any concerns or implement workable ideas.
Day 7: Bring in treats to thank the entire team
Pizza, sandwiches, cake or other treats are a classic way to show appreciation for everyone and to celebrate as a team. Plus, it offers employees a positive way to socialize, take a break from the grind and recognize one another’s hard work.
Don’t let it stop after seven days! Make this process a part of your daily routine!
Mike,
That’s really great advice. keep up the good work.