What do you do if your team's morale and motivation are slipping?

I will observe the indications of falling motivation and morale of the team such as- reduced productivity, decreased participation & energy, difference in their behavior, non responsive approach. I will look at it with dual perspective, individual and group if there is decreased motivation with few individuals, I will take individual specific approach to address the concerns and if it's observed for the complete team, then I will review my approach with team & the environment they work in, and accordingly make needed efforts!!!

As a communication trainer and operations person, I suggest to address slipping morale and motivation within the team by fostering open dialogue to understand underlying concerns and challenges. Through active listening and empathetic leadership, one can work collaboratively with team members to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted solutions. Whether it's through team-building activities, recognition programs, or providing additional support and resources, one can prioritize creating a positive and supportive work environment to reignite motivation and boost morale. #EmployeeEngagement #Motivation #TeamBuilding

Yes, this is step 1. Failure to recognise something is wrong is an opportunity lost to take action. We must be sensitive to the pulse on the ground.

Switch off judgmental thinking. Instead, empathize and connect with your team. Determine if it's a one-time issue or ongoing. For one-time issues, gently remind your team. If it persists, identify if it's a skill or will problem. Address skill gaps through focus groups and training. If no improvement, assess if it's due to feeling undervalued or unfulfilled. Collaborate with HR to bridge gaps. For persistent issues, have one-on-one coaching sessions.

In addition to identifying signs of low morale, it's crucial to implement proactive strategies to reverse this trend. Establish an open channel of communication, encouraging feedback and the expression of concerns.

Establish a welcoming and safe space for team members to voice their worries and suggestions. Regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, or anonymous feedback methods are good ways to promote open communication.

When morale and motivation is down, your team members have expectations that are not fulfilled. Giving them the opportunity to express what is that they see that is not working, will give you the chance, as a leader, to see what are those expectations. After that, see if there is something that can be done about it. If not, make sure you communicate that.

2nd step after recognising that something is not quite right, we need to take action fast by engaging members individually first and thereafter as a team to know what is not right and explore options within the team to make things better. When the Manager makes this effort, team members already start to feel better knowing that the Manager is aware and is willing to do something about it, taking into consideration other views.

Una de las fuentes de conocimiento y detección de oportunidades es, sin duda alguna ... el hablar con tu equipo. Eso si, la comunicación debe de ser muy sincera, transparente y con el foco establecido en ayudar, ayudar y ayudar. Si estáis viviendo un momento retador y tu equipo percibe que la conversación es de todo menos para ayudar ... mejor no hables con ellos hasta que no se cambie este estado. En el momento en el que el equipo perciba que estás ahí para escucharles y que, importante, lo que te van a decir se tendrá realmente en cuenta, ya verás lo que pasa ... parecerá "magia" aunque no lo es. El primer paso está muy claro: querer escuchar sin prejuzgar.

Talking with your team is the key to understanding what is going on! Hear first hand from them what is making them feel down - is it that they feel over worked? Not empowered to make decisions and lacking autonomy? Or maybe they are disconnected from the WHY - once you have that open dialogue and you understand where they are coming from, you can start the process of making change!

Only when team spirit is improving can we embark on this 4th step to refocus on both the team's goal as well as the individual goals. Effort has to be put in to link both up to show how they lead from one to the other or compliment one another. These must also be shown to be in the same direction as the aspiration of each individual to bring them a step closer and sometimes, it may be timely as a reminder of each of our longer term plan.

For me, setting goals is a bit "old school". I believe that if we can inspire people with a vision and create an environment in which they can develop, then there is no need for goals. Then everyone wants to get involved and move things forward anyway.

Es como cuando usas un GPS: para avanzar de un punto A a un punto B, si o si, debemos de definir un itinerario o trayecto que nos ayude a saber, entre otras cosas, si estamos avanzando o no ... con los equipos ocurre lo mismo !! Eso si, el error que más veces detecto es que se suele establecer el objetivo final (eso nos empodera, nos "ilumina", bla, bla y bla) pero pocas o ninguna vez se trata el punto de origen (generalmente por un tema de vergüenza a reconocer donde estamos). Quédate con esto: si no sabes de donde partes ... ?cómo puedes calcular cuanto tiempo te llevará el llegar a tu destino?. Te lo digo porque, con el GPS, sería imposible iniciar el camino ... ahí lo dejo ??

Direction & Purpose: When morale dips, it's often because people feel lost. Set clear and achievable goals to give your team a roadmap. SMART Goals: Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures goals are well-defined and attainable. The "Why" Matters: Help your team see the purpose behind their work. How does it contribute to the bigger picture? Celebrate Milestones: Don't wait for the finish line! Recognize and celebrate small wins along the way to keep motivation high. Building Momentum: These celebrations create a sense of accomplishment and fuel the drive to keep moving forward together.

Para motivar a un equipo comercial, establece metas SMART que sean claras y específicas. Fomenta la pasión mostrando el impacto del trabajo en los clientes y promueve la autonomía dándoles las herramientas necesarias. Celebra éxitos y aprende de errores para impulsar el crecimiento. Mantén un enfoque centrado en el cliente para mejorar la satisfacción. Cultiva una cultura de confianza y respeto, proporciona retroalimentación constante y promueve el desarrollo profesional. Estos elementos clave crean un entorno donde el equipo puede prosperar y alcanzar sus objetivos.

Promote team building activities that strengthen bonds between team members and improve the organizational climate. Recognize and celebrate individual and collective achievements to raise the group's self-esteem and motivation. Investing in training and professional development can also rekindle enthusiasm and dedication, showing that the company values the personal and professional growth of its employees.

El equipo unido es el que logra los objetivos. Mi experiencia es que, cuando hay un bajón de motivación, no suele ser generalizado (aunque, desde "arriba" se suela ver como tal) sino que hay personas que si lo están y personas que no. ?Y qué pasará si aprovechamos la oportunidad para que, como equipo que son, se ayuden entre sí?: no estoy diciendo que no contrates mis servicios como conferenciante motivacional para darles una dosis de energía en vuestra próxima convención (por mi, encantado ??), sino que, muchas veces, esa falta de motivación de algunas personas es una oportunidad impresionante para generar un vínculos, compromiso y detectar líderes naturales. Es en la tormenta donde sacamos nuestro máximo potencial ... no tomando el sol ??

Step 3 is to rekindle the team spirit to to put at ease any ill feelings before we even try to refocus on goals, otherwise it may appear that all we care about are the deliverables when our 1st priority should be our people.

Fostering team spirit through motivation involves setting clear goals, celebrating successes, and promoting collaboration. Providing support, feedback, and recognition, while also leading by example, creates a positive work environment where team members feel valued and supported. Encouraging personal development, building camaraderie through team-building activities, and maintaining a positive attitude contribute to a cohesive team culture where everyone feels motivated, engaged, and part of a unified team working towards common goals.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: When morale is low, sometimes a little team bonding is the cure! Activities for All: Organize team-building activities that cater to different preferences. From icebreakers to problem-solving challenges, find ways to encourage collaboration and trust. Building Camaraderie: The goal is to create a sense of "we're in this together". Feeling Like Family: When each member feels valued and like they belong, motivation naturally increases. A United Front: A strong team spirit translates into a collective drive to achieve those common goals, making your team unstoppable! Remember, It's Fun Too!: Don't forget to have some laughs along the way. Building relationships and having a good time go hand-in-hand!

Avast, me hearties! ???? When ye spy the Jolly Roger of low morale flyin' high among yer crew, 'tis time to rally 'round and offer a helping hand! Be a beacon of support in these ?? troubled waters. Provide yer crew with the tools and trainin' they need to navigate the choppy seas ahead. Offer yer guidance and mentorship to steer 'em through stormy projects and personal squalls that threaten to drag 'em down. Show 'em that ye be standin' firm at the helm, ready to guide 'em safely to calmer shores. With yer unwavering support, ye'll raise the spirits of yer crew and set sail once more with renewed determination and purpose! ??

Tu responsabilidad como líder del equipo es estar ... siempre ahí (quien te haya dicho lo contrario, no ha gestionado un equipo en su vida ????). Y hay momentos que son fáciles y hay otros que ... son una locura y desearás dejar los galones ??. Es importante que los empoderes para que, entre otras cosas, aprendan a volar (con sus aciertos y sus puntos de mejora) ... incluso sin tener que recurrir a ti (aunque siempre estés por si lo necesiten). Tu labor como responsable no es decirle que no han cumplido los objetivos (esto ya lo saben!!) sino ayudarlos a que los superen y, con ello, se transformen como profesionales y, sobre todo, como personas.

Step 5 - Having set the direction to refocus on goals, we need to allow some space to momentum to pick up pace as the team had just gone through some set back. Providing timely support, being there when needed, guiding them and encouraging them at this time is crucial otherwise morale will suffer another blow. But remember to guide them towards the right thought process instead of solving the problems for them. It's an art to be able to do this without giving them the impression that they are on their own. Finally, step 6 (as I am unable to add for the next section) - we must celebrate every success in a deliberate, simple but meaningful way to acknowledge achievements & encourage good effort eventhough the result may not be ideal.

Be Their Rock: When morale dips, let your team know you're there to catch them. Upskilling & Resources: Offer training and resources to help them hone their skills and conquer challenges. Mentorship Matters: Be a supportive mentor. Guide them through tough projects or personal hurdles impacting their work. Investing in Them: By showing you're invested in their growth and success, you reignite their passion. Renewed Vigor: This support empowers them to push through difficulties with fresh energy. It's More Than Just Work: Remember, they're people too! Let them know you care about their well-being beyond just their tasks

Forne?a oportunidades de desenvolvimento profissional e pessoal para os membros da equipe, como treinamentos, mentorias e programas de desenvolvimento de habilidades. Isso demonstra um compromisso com o crescimento e o bem-estar da equipe, incentivando o engajamento e a motiva??o.

Appreciate Quick Wins. Celebrate success. I practise a Gratitude log everyday set at 5pm. Encouraged team to follow the same. Results are great with members getting more engaged as well as the bonding in team gets better.

Reconhe?a e celebre o progresso e os sucessos da equipe, mesmo que sejam pequenas vitórias. Isso ajuda a refor?ar um senso de realiza??o e reconhecimento entre os membros da equipe, incentivando um maior engajamento e motiva??o.

In my experience, a dip in motivation rarely happens in isolation. When it becomes widespread, and if it is widespread, it often points to deeper structural issues. Focusing solely on team activities might be like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. True change requires a holistic approach, addressing policies, processes, and leadership development alongside team dynamics. Work needs to be done to create a work environment that fosters intrinsic motivation and empowers teams to thrive!

Morale and motivation get down, when 1- Hard work is not recognised and wrong people get promoted due to lack of transparency 2- Open discussions are not the part of organisational structure Though these factors are related to higher management, as a team manager you can do the following to boost energy 1- Listen to them properly, recognise their pain point 2- Discuss them in detail, let them speak more to get the frustration out 3- Present a solution, and ensure them that their efforts are not going to waste 4- Do your part to highlight their concerns to higher management and get things sorted out at the maximum level 5- You are the role model for your team, show positivity, boost their enthusiasm, and celebrate even their little success.

Cultive um ambiente de trabalho positivo e inclusivo, onde os membros da equipe se sintam valorizados, respeitados e capacitados a contribuir para o sucesso geral da equipe e da organiza??o. Ao adotar essas medidas, é possível revitalizar o moral e a motiva??o da equipe, promovendo um ambiente de trabalho positivo, colaborativo e engajado.