Motivation in the Workplace

"You cannot motivate people"
It is make sense, especially when ending with: "You can only create environments where people Choose to be motivated"

It is our responsibility to create this environment. Motivation is most effective when it is an indirect effect and a by-product of the atmosphere and mentality we create by setting example through actions and through the creation of a team environment.

Simple direct motivation attempts such as offering incentives, such as spivs, are often not of any particular interest to staff. Have no doubt they will take whatever is going but it won't actually solve any underlying issues or promote any long term loyalty. It is a very, very short term solution to any issue you are trying to solve if it even works. If we already have a good atmosphere and team spirit we wont actually need to do any of this anyway so watch out for signs and resist the temptation to throw money at a problem.

Motivation as a process needs to focus on a slightly larger picture. One where some of the actual desires and life issues of staff members are taken into account and blended with the Company Goals and Objectives. Now this does not have to be a formal appraisal type interview, that attitude may actually hinder the process if there is a suspicious atmosphere in existence and asking staff to write down their 5 year plan is more depressing than helpful. Keeping ears open and making notes informally works best here. When it comes to setting targets and appraisals (and we must do this) this "insider information" can appear as though you have an actual interest in the person and in effect will become a motivation in itself.

Motivation guidelines:
1. Be on time always - A simple suggestion but there are so many managers that are casual about time keeping. Its not that staff follow in your footsteps, they are adults after all, it is simply that as the manager your standards are the company standards. If your standards are low you cannot honestly expect staff to try to be better than you. If you do and complain to them about time keeping - Expect them to be DE-Motivated by this.

2. Work Hard and Smart - Creativity is admired by all. Showing creative ways to solve problems will inspire anyone, Ive seen and put this into practice - IT WORKS

3. Involve - If they are part of the structure of the place and there is a sense of achievement then equally there will be a sense of loss if things dont work out. It is no use blaming staff for shortfalls in efficiency if they had no input into how things where done except to show up and no eye on the prize!

4.Communicate - I've seen and worked for managers who sit in an office all day and don't communicate. This touches on involvement and setting standards. You cannot be respected if nobody knows you. You cannot know where your company is truly going and how it works if you don't know the staff. The STAFF are the company. Getting to know them will provide you with resources you didn't know you had.

5. Be A Leader - You are NOT one of the lads anymore. You are the boss. Set the standards and live by them. Set the course and steer the ship. The staff which as the engine room will get you where you want to go but you must be the captain, communicate and involve.