ON A BUDGET: Motivating your team, bolstering loyalty & elevating morale. – Keeping an open line of communication. (Series: Part 1 of 5)
(Photo: iklash/¨)
Times are tough right now. Raises are not being doled out, salary’s are being cut, 401K’s are not being matched, people are losing their jobs…morale is low. Many managers may not be concerned if their remaining employees are unhappy; where do they think they are going to go in this economic environment? Don’t be short sighted; employees who are not happy are looking elsewhere and when the climate turns many will abandon ship. Now is the time to keep your employees exhilarated!
“So what can you do to motivate a team and create loyal employees when morale is low?”
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In this economy it’s imperative employers concentrate on non-monetary motivating factors by:
- Taking a genuine interest in people
- Keeping an open line of communication
- Helping people to understand the importance of their role
- Bestowing recognition on your team
- Cultivating career development plans
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1. Take a genuine interest in people.
When times get tough people band together; they take a bona fide interest in one another.
- Find out what is going on in the life of your team members
- What is important to them right now
- Let them know you understand
- Do what you can to help them
- Offer advice if they are looking for it
Try making a mental list of everyone you may encounter today; think of what they are working on or what they have going on in their life and try to relate to them. People appreciate it when you take an interest in their lives. It will increase morale, let people know you care and help them realize they are not just another number in the corporate books.
Remote Note:
When your team is remote and you do not see them face-to-face this can be especially challenging. Take the time to work with each of them personally. Be sure to contact them weekly even if it is just to touch base. A one-on-one call will let them know you are thinking of them and will be there help should anything come up.
Keep in mind; this may be something you have to ease into if you have not shown an interest in the past; otherwise they may think you are prying and become suspicious. So take it slow, work to re-develop those relationships and with any luck it will lead to a motivated team, stronger group bond, greater retention rates, and increased team morale.
Think of others first, show interest in their lives, offer a helping hand.
-What are some ideas you have to strengthen the bonds with a team? Please leave a comment and let us know.
~Check back daily for the additional series segments.~
