A lot has been written about what motivates people most at work. Surveys repeatedly reveal that it is not money that makes employees feel valued. The majority of the employees are looking for appreciation and recognition in their job. And, well, mostly they want it from their boss!

So, you as a leader, how can you meet these expectations? How can you keep your staff happy and productive?

It is too much work, you say? You do not have time for this? Your job is not to keep your staff happy yet to keep the money coming in? Work is work and play is play?

Deep inside, I am sure, you know that it IS your job to keep your staff happy, at least if you consider yourself a leader. If you want to be a manager, manage a project, an event or a marketing campaign. Because people cannot be managed!

If you want to be a leader, try these tips and see what happens:

 

Praise

I cannot say it often enough: Do praise your team members, your co-workers and your boss. If you need some inspiration on how to praise people, find it here.

Listen

Instead of talking all the time and telling people what to do, do listen to them closely. Give people time and room to share their thoughts whether it be in team meetings or in a face to face conversation such as a performance review.

Ask questions

You do not have to solve all the problems yourself. Ask your team members for their opinion and for suggestions.

Foster ideas

Do regular brainstorming sessions or put up a wall where people can share their ideas. Ask everyone in the team to participate, especially the quiet ones. They very often have the brightest thoughts.

Strengthen strengths

People are at their best when they can do what they do best. So find out what your employees’ strengths are and what they enjoy doing most. Make it happen and give them the opportunity to shine with their unique talents.

Share responsibility

There is a new project to be managed? HR is looking for a mentor for junior staff? A new client is waiting for a state-of-the-art report? Bingo! This is the chance to involve your team members. Just make sure that you do not prefer any of them and that the person gets the job who can do it best.

Trust

Micro-managing is so yesterday! If you delegate tasks, avoid to plan the whole project and let others do the dirty work. Instead, trust people to find their own way and timing. Offer your help and do ask to get a regular status update. Make sure you communicate the desired outcome and the deadline.

Be approachable

If employees would like to talk to you, take time to listen to them. If someone wants to meet you, offer an appointment as soon as possible. Do not ask them to see someone else first.

Respect the time of others

If a meeting is set or someone has a personal appointment with you, be punctual and do not let people wait. Their time is just as valuable as yours!

Praise

Don’t ever forget it!

 

For sure, there are more ways to value people at work!

So, what are you doing to show appreciation to your team members or co-workers?  What are you expecting your boss or colleagues to do in order to feel valued? Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions.

 

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