Introduction
Anyone who’s ever managed a team knows that keeping employees motivated can sometimes be challenging. After all, no two people are alike, so what motivates one person might not work for another. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true methods for motivating members of your team that are sure to get results. Keep reading for the complete guide to employee motivation, plus six ways for putting these methods into practice in your workplace.
What are the Two Types of Employee Motivation?
Before diving into the 6 ways you can use to motivate your team, it’s important to understand the different types of employee motivation. The two most common are extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors such as raises, bonuses, or promotions. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from within and is often more long-lasting. This type of motivation is often driven by a desire to do a good job or meet personal goals.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with offering rewards for a job well done (after all, most of us need at least some extrinsic motivation to stay on track). However, managers should also foster an environment that promotes intrinsic motivation. When employees are intrinsically motivated, they’re more likely to stick with a company long-term and be engaged in their work—which benefits both the employee and the employer.
How You Can Motivate Your Team To Make A Difference
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of employee motivation let’s take a look at some specific ways you can put these concepts into practice in your own workplace.
1. Understand Your Team
One of the best ways to foster intrinsic motivation is to get to know your team members personally. When you know what makes them tick, it’s easier to find ways to motivate them based on their individual needs and interests.
2. Set SMART Goals
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. In other words, they’re the perfect roadmap for ensuring that you and your team members are clear on what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
3. Encourage Feedback (and act on it!)
A feedback loop is vital when it comes to motivation—if you’re not getting feedback from your team members on what’s working and what isn’t, then it’ll be tough to make any progress. So make sure you create an open and safe space for honest feedback, then use that feedback to help inform your decision-making going forward.
4. Offer Opportunities for Growth
No one wants to feel like they’re stuck in a dead-end job with no chance for progression. By offering opportunities for training, mentorship, and promotion, you can show your team members that there’s room for them to grow within the company —and help keep them motivated in the process.
5. Celebrate Successes (Big and Small)
Another way to show your team members that their hard work is paying off is to take some time out of each day or week to celebrate successes, no matter how big or small they may be. A little recognition can go a long way toward keeping employees engaged and motivated.
6. Have an Audacious Goal
When you’re running a business, it’s crucial to have a clear goal in mind. But it’s not enough to just have any old goal. You need an audacious goal, something that will really get your staff fired up and motivated to achieve. Having a bold plan for your business can help to motivate your team in several ways:
- First, it can provide a shared sense of purpose that unites everyone behind a common cause.
- Second, it can inspire people to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems.
- Finally, it can give people a sense of ownership over the company’s success or failure.
In short, an audacious goal can be a powerful motivator for your staff, helping them to feel more invested in the company’s success.
There you have it— 6 Ways to Motivate your Team. Remember, the key is to focus on both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and to tailor your approach to fit the needs of your team. Then, with a little effort, you can create a productive and enjoyable workplace for everyone involved.
