#16 Blog. Do It Yourself Manager's Guide: Key Questions to Assess your Team Motivation.

Have you recently found yourself contemplating questions about your team's motivation? Have you noticed that one of your employees isn't operating at their peak level of motivation? Or perhaps you suspect it's related to challenges in meeting the team's business expectations?

As a leader, you understand that you play a crucial role in fostering your team's motivation to achieve optimal business results, right? What moves each one of your team members? And what moves them altogether as a group?

Motivation is highly subjective and influenced by various factors unique to each individual. After all, we're not machines. If you don’t want to let-go of an overworked employee with declining performance, let’s see what you can do.

Here’s a quick Do It Yourself guide, of how to assess your team’s motivation.

To effectively motivate your team, start by understanding their current motivational levels. What is their “Why?”.

First Step- Individuals assessment:

Here are three questions managers can ask their team members in their 1:1 meeting:

1. What aspects of your work do you find most fulfilling and why? This question helps identify what drives individual team members and what aspects of their job they are passionate about. Understanding these motivators allows you to align tasks and projects with their interests.

1. What challenges are you currently facing, and how can I support you in overcoming them? By asking this, you show your willingness to support your team and remove obstacles that may be hindering their motivation. It also opens up a dialogue for addressing any issues that might be affecting their performance.

1. How do you prefer to be recognized for your accomplishments? Recognition preferences vary from person to person. Some may prefer public acknowledgment, while others might value a private note of thanks or a small reward. Knowing their preference helps you tailor your recognition efforts to be most effective.

This type of conversation is highly focused on the employee and their motivation, which can significantly influence their performance and engagement. When engaging in such discussions, it's crucial to keep any negative or cynical thoughts and expressions out of the room. Creating a positive and supportive environment is essential for fostering employee motivation and well-being.

Second Step- Team assessment:

Team motivation stems from various factors, including individual goals, workplace environment, and leadership style. It's essential for managers to recognize these factors and tailor their approach accordingly.?Mapping individual assessments on a whiteboard or any other suitable method can be a powerful tool for aligning passions, challenges, and the team's mission and workload.

By visually representing each team member's interests, areas of struggle, and the overarching team goals, leaders can identify opportunities for motivation and growth. This process facilitates understanding and enables leaders to tailor their approach to each individual, ultimately leading to improved productivity, job satisfaction, and overall team performance.

Strategies to Motivate Your Team

1. Recognize and Reward Achievement:?Regularly acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of your team members. This recognition can be through public praise, bonuses, or other incentives. Acknowledge means to provide positive feedback, something we tend to do less Read about Feedback and Blind spots, as a way to increase productivity and reach the business results.
2. Provide Growth Opportunities:?Foster a culture of continuous learning and development. Provide access to training programs, workshops, and avenues for career advancement. However, the essential aspect lies in demonstrating personal care for each individual's growth journey. Collaborate to construct personalized career paths, and explore ways to support them in achieving their future goals.
3. Foster a Positive Work Environment:?Create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where team members feel valued and respected. Encourage team support and collaboration among team members as a means of enhancing motivation. Highlight the benefits of team camaraderie and how it can contribute to a positive work environment and increased motivation.

To Conclude: ?

Motivating a team is an ongoing process that requires understanding, communication, and adaptability. By asking these questions, managers can gain valuable insights into their team’s motivational levels and implement strategies to foster a more motivated and high-performing team. Remember, the key to successful motivation lies in genuinely caring about your team members' well-being and professional growth.

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