"Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
The use of this quote is not only to ensure that the article has an impressive first line, but it is to drive home the point, that unless employees are motivated enough, they simply won't deliver as you want them too. It is no secret that an entrepreneur or employer needs to motivate his employees so that they consistently perform and add value to the company. What remains a secret however is, what is the best way to motivate employees as different people get motivated by different things.
1. Innovate on work profile
Very rarely is the work profile of the employee considered to be a motivating factor unto itself. Harish Bijoor, author, brand manager and entrepreneur says, "Today's youth is looking to engage in exciting, challenging and innovative work. And if the day-to-day work environment can offer them these three factors, they will be motivated to perform. Every big firm offers the same in terms of work environment, monetary compensation, hygiene conditions but what sets one company apart from the other is the quality of work it offers the employee."
2. Give space to your employees
No employee wants to be on the leash of his employer. If the employee feels his boss is controlling his every move, is over-riding his decisions too often and giving him the title but not the power that goes along with it, he is bound to feel a disconnect with his job. In such conditions, he won't perform to his potential and certainly won't feel motivated either. The key to a motivated employee is to give him his space to do his job well and give him responsibilities that he can handle. Once he gets this sense of empowerment and importance thanks to the work handed out to him, he is bound to feel motivated to perform exceptionally well.
3. Treat them like family
This statement isn't much of an exaggeration given the fact that most people spend a good 50-60 hours / work at work. Creating a work environment of camaraderie and fellowship will go a long way in motivating your employees to not just work better, but it will make them not want to quit the firm. Rajiv Dhingra, Founder and CEO of WATConsult, says, "We have a heady mix of work-related activities as well as non-work related fun. For example, we have a Performer of the Month which motivates employees to give their best day in and day out. On the other hand, we make it a point to celebrate ALL festivals in the office to create this feeling to belongingness and promote networking within the organisation."
4. Recognize
If an employee is reprimanded for a job not done well, it is only fair that his hard-work and efforts are recognised in the case of a job well done. Recognition, not just monetary, goes a long way in motivating employees. Entrepreneurs and bosses must make it a point to appreciate and praise a great effort in front of the concerned employee's team mates. Additionally, he can also be awarded a tangible gift (perhaps a trophy) that he can proudly display and show-off.
5. Manage their Disgruntlements
If you want your employees to give you their best, you have to find a way to handle them (and the situation) when things get tricky. If an employee knows and believes that the company and the boss will help him through his tough patches at work, he will be inclined to trust his employers. The fact that his disgruntlements were correctly managed and fairly addressed will work as a motivational factor and push him to work harder and make up for the time lost due to distress.
Motivated employees will play a pivotal role in the building and sustaining of a company, and this truth needs to be well understood (and implemented) by every entrepreneur.
SMEmentor@moneycontrol.com
