You're a new manager in a high-pressure environment. How can you keep your team motivated?

1 Set clear and realistic expectations

One of the first things you should do as a new manager is to communicate clearly and frequently with your team about what is expected of them, and what they can expect from you. This includes setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, defining roles and responsibilities, and providing feedback and recognition. By setting clear and realistic expectations, you can help your team understand their purpose, align their efforts, and track their progress.

2 Foster a culture of safety

As a manager in a high-pressure environment, you have a responsibility to ensure that your team is working in a safe and healthy manner. This means complying with the relevant workplace safety regulations and standards, providing adequate training and equipment, and encouraging your team to report and address any hazards or incidents. It also means promoting a culture of safety, where your team feels comfortable to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas on how to improve safety. By fostering a culture of safety, you can reduce the risk of injuries, illnesses, and errors, and boost your team's morale and confidence.

3 Support your team's development

Another way to keep your team motivated is to support their professional and personal development. This means providing opportunities for your team to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and grow their careers. You can do this by offering coaching, mentoring, feedback, and resources, as well as by delegating tasks, empowering decisions, and facilitating collaboration. By supporting your team's development, you can help them achieve their potential, increase their engagement, and retain their talent.

4 Manage stress and well-being

Managing a team in a high-pressure environment can also take a toll on your own and your team's mental and physical well-being. You need to manage stress effectively, and help your team do the same. This means recognizing the signs and sources of stress, and taking action to reduce or cope with them. You can do this by prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking support. You also need to care for your own and your team's well-being, by promoting healthy habits, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and having fun. By managing stress and well-being, you can improve your own and your team's performance, resilience, and happiness.

5 Celebrate successes and failures

Finally, one of the best ways to keep your team motivated is to celebrate their successes and failures. This means acknowledging and rewarding your team's achievements, big and small, and showing appreciation and gratitude. It also means embracing and learning from your team's mistakes, and encouraging them to try new things and take risks. By celebrating successes and failures, you can create a positive and supportive atmosphere, where your team feels valued, respected, and inspired.

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?