How can airport leaders motivate and engage staff?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is key to building trust, alignment, and collaboration among airport staff. Airport leaders should communicate clearly and frequently with their staff about the vision, goals, and expectations of the organization, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead. They should also solicit feedback, listen actively, and address any concerns or issues promptly and respectfully. Communication should be transparent, consistent, and tailored to different audiences and channels.

2 Recognize and reward achievements

Recognition and reward are powerful motivators and enhancers of staff engagement. Airport leaders should acknowledge and appreciate the efforts, contributions, and achievements of their staff, both individually and collectively. They should also provide tangible and intangible rewards, such as bonuses, promotions, certificates, public praise, or special assignments, that match the preferences and needs of their staff. Recognition and reward should be timely, specific, and fair.

3 Empower and develop staff

Empowerment and development are essential to fostering a sense of ownership, autonomy, and growth among airport staff. Airport leaders should empower their staff to make decisions, solve problems, and innovate within their scope of authority and responsibility. They should also provide opportunities and resources for their staff to learn new skills, acquire new knowledge, and advance their careers. Empowerment and development should be based on trust, support, and feedback.

4 Build and maintain a positive culture

Culture is the foundation of a cohesive and productive airport team. Airport leaders should build and maintain a positive culture that reflects the values, beliefs, and behaviors of the organization. They should also model and reinforce the desired culture through their actions, words, and symbols. A positive culture should be inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and accountable.

5 Promote well-being and balance

Well-being and balance are vital to ensuring the health, happiness, and performance of airport staff. Airport leaders should promote well-being and balance among their staff by providing a safe, comfortable, and supportive work environment. They should also encourage their staff to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional health, and to balance their work and personal life. Well-being and balance should be prioritized, monitored, and facilitated.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?