Managers are always challenged to get more production out of the people they lead. Something that separates strong leaders from average ones is that they know how to convince people to accomplish organizational goals. There are some effective ways to energize, direct and sustain the efforts of a workforce. But, if you want that to happen, first you need to know how to foster inspiration and positively influence the behavior of employees. Here are some of the strategies commonly used by top managers to motivate.
Focus on Strengths
Strong leaders focus on building out strengths rather than fixing weaknesses to promote a positive work environment. People see fewer options when managers constantly provide negative feedback based on weaknesses. It starts with recruiting the right talent and turning it into performance. From a strategic standpoint, motivating employees is more like a game of chess because managers are responsible for placing employees in the best positions based on their individual strengths.
Build Confidence
The ability to increase confidence is another essential quality that many inspirational leaders have in common. Managers must stay level-headed to handle stress, empathize with employees and connect on a deeper level. Employees are experiencing more anxiety now than ever, too. Top managers can build confidence by providing thoughtful, timely communication. Anticipating the future becomes easier if you can mitigate outside risks by talking to employees. Then, focus on providing employees with a clear plan of action, and their anxiety can be turned into confidence.
Use Negotiating Skills
Managers must always be prepared to assume the role of mediator when workplace issues arise. Strong negotiating skills are needed to resolve conflicts along the way and ensure that mutually beneficial decisions are reached. Focus on tailoring your communication skills to fit different audiences.
Offer Rewards
Most employees get paid the same whether they finish a project before the deadline or not. Providing incentives is a great way for managers to motivate and keep employees satisfied. Here are some popular examples:
● Learning opportunities
● Gift cards
● Online Fitness Class memberships
● Bonuses
● Paid time off
Finally, managers shouldn’t hesitate to have those difficult conversations and provide feedback to their employees regarding potential areas of improvement. Since motivation and employee growth are connected, it is a leader’s responsibility to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their team members. Don’t focus entirely on what employees are doing wrong. Instead, promote a positive work environment by recognizing strengths, building confidence, and offering rewards.
