Motivation, Motivation, Motivation!!
I’m sure you’ve heard the popular real estate agent mantra – the most important thing in buying and selling homes is LOCATION. Running your company smoothly begins with a similar word and it’s Motivation. This is the first installment of a 3- part series on Questions Managers Should Ask Their Employees designed to give you the goods! Getting to know what makes your employees tick is so important if you want your company to stand out above the rest. Here at Lightning Problem Solving, we believe that a company that cares can be the BEST in their industry.
People thrive in an environment where they feel respected and appreciated. So how can you make each of your employees feel personally valued so that they want to do a good job for you? I’m so glad you asked! Today I’ve put together a list of three questions you can use to identify how to motivate your employees. And I promise, if you ask your employees these questions and act on their answers, you’re going to see a HUGE, amazing change in your workplace!
No Cookie Cutters Allowed Here
Because each of your employees is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all motivator. You’ll have 1 employee that will treasure that plaque he received in high school and show it off for the rest of his life; while another would rather throw hers in the trashcan so it’s not “junking up” her house. But if someone would occasionally ask her about her weekend and compliment her baby pictures, she’d be one of the happiest, hardest workers you have.
Now if you want to be a sloppy, mediocre company with a high turnover rate, you can just look down your nose and say, “Get to work everybody!” then go on about your business. But if you care about your company being the BEST in your industry – best quality, happiest employees, simply the best all-around ranked company – then listen up!
Question One – What Motivates You?
Or in other words, what makes you most feel valued and appreciated? Are you more motivated to excel by:
- Applause: Some people, just need to hear is how awesome they are. If you tell them they’re doing a great job, they won’t let you down!
- Appropriate Interaction: One of my buddies doesn’t care how many times I tell him how awesome he is, or how smart he is, or how his wonderful ideas have helped our company. All he wants is a good firm handshake or a pat on the back.
- Authority: If you appreciate my work, then forget the fluff… promote me! Some people thrive off being in charge. If they’re not up for a promotion but they’re doing a good job, giving them control of “something,” may be a good way to motivate them.
- Awards/Rewards: Another lady I worked with couldn’t care less about a pat on the back, and she had more authority than she wanted. But what she really liked was a tangible token of appreciation. Giving her a gift card to a nice restaurant let her know the company really appreciated her.
- Assistance: Some of your workers just need you to recognize the workload that they’re carrying and offer assistance if you see they need it. Help them out if they’re overloaded. You’ll be telling them, “You’re not in this alone – your company values you!”
- Attention: You’ll find that some people just need a little attention to feel appreciated. These employees will care deeply how well you listen to them. Ask about their trip to Disney World. Look at the pictures of their dog. See if they have any great ideas for the company. They might also enjoy a company outing like golf or bowling.
Being a manager who understands what motivates your employees will give you a HUGE advantage over all of your competitors!
“Being a manager who understands what motivates your employees will give you a HUGE advantage over all of your competitors!” Share on X
Question Two – Anxiety or Amusement?
Which of these drives you to perform your best? Hmm… this is a tough one. I’ll help you decide!
- Rapidly approaching deadlines
- Being overloaded
- Trying to get everything done so you don’t have to come in on your day off!
If these are what drive you to work hardest, Anxiety is more motivating to you.
- Hopes of earning a raise or
- An extra vacation day
If these drive you to perform your best, then Amusement provides your motivation. (Amusement is definitely more fun and less stress than Anxiety!)
Question Three – What’s your personality?
Are you more of a thinker or feeler; introvert or extrovert? I recommend that every business require their employees to take a personality assessment similar to this one. Some people are easy to talk to. But people with very different personalities from yours may be more difficult to get to know. It can be really helpful to understand where they’re coming from when you’re communicating. I like to know the personality of everybody I work with. Understanding your employees and knowing what motivates them is so valuable if you want your company to stand head and shoulders above the rest!
“Understanding your employees and knowing what motivates them is so valuable if you want your company to stand head and shoulders above the rest!” Share on XBut Wait, There’s More!
The set of questions I gave you today will tell you everything you need to know about what motivates your employees and makes them feel valued. Whatever you do, don’t miss next week’s video! Today we talked about identifying Motivators. But next week I’m going to give you my 2nd list of the most valuable questions to ask your employees on an ongoing basis to make sure things are running well in your company.
Thanks for dropping in! Be sure to tune in next week for the second installment of this series and check out my other videos on lean corporate management. As always, I’m here for any questions or comments you might have. Now get out there and make an employee’s day!!
