Why Do Your People Come to Work?

I have a question for you.? Why do your people come to work?? Is it for a salary, to perform tasks or is it something else?? More importantly are you leading them in a way that motivates them?

Recently I was having a conversation with a Business Owner about their business and staff performance.? He was frustrated as he felt that the younger generation lacked the ‘work ethic’ that previous generations had and just wanted a pay check.? As he shared a few examples it was clear that he was not getting the performance he needed—and in the current uncertain economic environment this is not a good thing!

I asked him a question, ‘When these younger staff first started were they lazy and did not want to be there, or did they show up motivated and excited to do a good job and make a difference?’?

He thought about it as he reflected back and mentioned that when they started in their roles, they were excited and motivated to learn and do a good job. We discussed how when someone starts, they usually get the attention and an effort is made to engage them—and over time many leaders forget this.? In reflection he realized that he had not been taking the time to focus on his people, their needs and their motivations as he was too busy focusing on other things (sound familiar?).

So what could you be doing to keep staff engaged and keep them performing??

Be Personal:? 1 on 1.? One of the best strategies is to make time to be “hands on” with staff.? This can be a planned activity or it can be spontaneous.? Take the time to check in with them and ask them questions about their personal life and their interests (If I think about my Mentors and some of our incredible conversations, many of them were unplanned).?

Make Little Things Count.? Look for the opportunities to make small gestures of your appreciation for the efforts that you staff put in.? You can use plenty of gestures from making them a cup of tea, to leaving them a sticky note on their desk that says “thanks” or provide them with a copy of a book that they may enjoy.? These small gestures add up!

Create Shared Experiences.? Another powerful way to keep your staff engaged and get them to want to come to work is to create shared experiences.? By participating in a learning activity, you can provide insights and skills in addition to support and connection.? This allows them to have a ‘break’ from the day to day busyness of their role and work ‘on’ the business and themselves.

If you would like a find out more or would like to learn more about my Business Leader Mentoring or Hi Performing Teams Programs to help lift performance before EOFY click here to reach out for a discussion. ?

PS. If you would like to sign up for my free ezine to get strategies to help you improve your performance please click here.

Stay True to Your Path

Scott