Many organizational leaders are puzzled by unsuccessful attempts to improve
morale and retention. Often employees are disengaged due to a lack of clear
purpose, direction and accountability. To maximize motivation we need to first
clearly communicate expectations and then reward according to results. Here
are 5 ways to increase motivation in your environment and become a people
builder.
Show Appreciation. Every time you say “Thank You” to another person, you
literally contribute to the increase of their self-esteem and improve their self-image.
You give them a surge of energy and make them feel that their effort was
valuable and worthwhile. You empower and motivate them to do more. This
attitude of appreciation will also attract and retain key employees. You will be
amazed by how eager other people will be to help you in whatever project you
are working on.
Give Approval and Praise. Psychological tests reveal that when children are given
encouragement, approval, and praise by authority figures or people they look up to,
their energy levels rise, and their heart and respiration rates increase. They are
happier and consistently have a positive world view. The same applies to adults
when given positive feedback on job or project performance. When you go
around praising and giving genuine approval to people for their
accomplishments, great and small, you will be surprised by the increased
willingness to get more done. Praise and approval produce a healthier
environment in the workplace.
Make Others Feel Important. One of the most valuable lessons in leadership
today is to make other people feel important. Dale Carnegie was an early
proponent of what is now called responsibility assumption. One of the core ideas
in his books is that it is possible to change other people's behavior by changing
one's reaction to them. Carnegie says, “You can make more friends in two
months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by
trying to get other people interested in you.” Making people feel important is like
turning on a productivity switch that has been surged with a bolt of lightning.
People will work at new levels when they have been made to feel like a valuable
asset to the overall organization.
“You can make more friends in two
months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by
trying to get other people interested in you.” ~ Dale Carnegie
Pay Attention When They Talk. Another way to empower others, to build their self-esteem and make them feel important is simply to pay close attention to them when they talk. The great majority of people are so busy trying to be heard that they become impatient when others are talking. Remember, the most important single activity that takes place over time is listening intently to the other person when he or she is talking and expressing him or herself. Listening is an art and a learned skill that makes people feel special and respected.
Take Every Opportunity to Be a People Builder. The most successful leaders and organizations understand the secret to success is being a people builder. Again, the general rules for empowering the people around you, which apply to everyone you meet, are appreciation, approval, and attention. Voice your thanks and gratitude to others. Praise them for accomplishments. And pay close attention to them when they talk and want to interact with you. These three behaviors alone will take motivation to new levels and make you a master of human interaction.
Need help developing your people? Contact us for assessments, team building or coaching for you or your team. Find out why we've been able to help hundreds of people just like you become better at people development. Call us today!
Tammy Holyfield is the founder of Holyfield International, a business and personal development company. Holyfield International works with business professionals, entrepreneurs, CEO’s, managers, leaders and individuals from all walks of life, teaching skills that are proven, practical and get results. She is also a business and personal coach, professional speaker, author and consultant. For information on organizational solutions or to reach her visit www.holyfieldinternational.com or call 619-431-1345. Follow Tammy on Twitter and Facebook for more insights on business and leadership.
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