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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Dear Lisa,
Thanks a lot for your visit and for leaving a comment. I hope that you can use some of my tipps in your daily life.
All the best,
Gaby
Thanks for a wonderful article, Gaby. Simple, effective ways that managers can show appreciation. The ideas don’t take a lot of time, or cost a lot of money but they can have a profoundly positive impact on the culture of the work environment.
Dear Ilmi,
A big thank you for your great comment. I love the quote from Isadore Sharp – a wise man! And yes: walking the talk matters a lot. After all we are all human and we have the same needs, no matter if we are employees or managers/leaders. Praising the boss is just as important!
All the best,
Gaby
Dear Gaby,
Great article and great hints. Having been in many different companies with variety of cultures: the easiest “saying thank you” becomes the most difficult. moreover, it is not the “way of doing but the way of being” in other words it is living – walking – the talk that matters. As Isadora Sharp – founder of Four Seasons Hotel Company – puts it “ if they work for us, we work for them”.
Kind regards, ilmi
Dear Lorraine,
Thanks a lot for visiting and for leaving a comment. Being passionate about your work is the best motivation. Yet I agree, sometimes we just need a thumbs-up or an encouraging word, or a simple “Thank you”. The good news is: if you yourself show appreciation for your team members they will pay you back with a smile, a thank you or a nice word for you! So keep encouraging your team and keep up your good work.
Cheers,
Gaby
Dear Gabby, just wanted to appreciate you for an inspirational article. I have worked for nearly 10 years in a highly demanding environment and job and I have never been appreciated by my Boss. It is the passion I have for what I do that keeps me going. I’m not sure how long it will last.
I have resolved to appreciate my team members and hopefully I can spread the good news.
Dear Paul,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my article and to leave a comment. I am glad that my suggestions find your approval. I browsed through your website and it seems your book is a great read.
Good luck and all the best,
Gaby
Gabby, thanks for your encouraging post. You might be interested in exploring the different ways that people value having appreciation communicated — some people don’t trust words. If interested, take a look at our website and book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. Thanks for your practical suggestions.
Paul White, PhD