Motivating Employees

2. No 'us and Them'

Manipulating and bullying people simply does not work. It leaves them demotivated. The key to successful motivation is your attitude. (See Leadership.)

2.1 Treat employees as partners in the business.

• Keep people informed about business performance and management decisions.
• Ask employees for their views before making decisions which affect them.
• Give each person a good, comfortable working environment and the right training and equipment for the job.

2.2 Build up an atmosphere of trust and teamwork, not defensiveness and fear.

A company run on fear is a miserable place to work, full of people who avoid making decisions in case they are wrong.

• Avoid blame - and acknowledge that mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process.
• Encourage people to ask for help when difficulties arise.

2.3 Keep communication open and honest.

• Schedule regular appraisals for employees, to review progress, problems and plans (see Performance appraisals).
• Encourage employees to do most of the talking during these sessions, by using open questions like: 'How well do you feel you are doing?'

2.4 Take an interest in people's lives.

• Be prepared to chat about the things your employees are interested in. Listen actively to whatever people have to say.

2.5 Be consistent, and fair, in your approach.

2.6 Build team spirit with regular briefings.

• Hold brief daily or weekly meetings to plan work, establish goals and discuss any special events and deadlines.
• Hold daily or weekly debriefings. Share any news and problems and give employees credit for their achievements.