Page 16 - How to Motivate Every Employee

there are certain dangers in expecting an employee’s job, no matter
how gratifying, to constitute his or her entire life. However, there are
certain steps that all mangers can take to help their employees meet
some, or even several, of their inner desires that will drive them to
do their best work and find greater motivation in the process. Here
are three main ways to go about doing this more effectively:
Appreciate everyone’s uniqueness: By acknowledging to your staff
that everyone is unique, you will be demonstrating that you honor
and appreciate the individual talents and differences all employees
bring to the organization. And who knows, you might even uncover
a diamond in the rough.
Brainstorm for greater fulfillment: One great way to brainstorm
and, thereby, motivate workers is to set up employee focus groups. By
doing this you will begin to discover what employees would like to
get from their work. Ask employees to brainstorm ways to make work
more fulfilling. Then don’t forget to take action and move forward
with ideas and suggestions. When you receive employee ideas that
are not appropriate, always explain why and hold out for reconsider-
ation at a later time.
Assume that meaningful purpose is important to people: Always
assume that things like personal growth and recognition, creativity,
and meaningful purpose are as important to your workers as they are
to you. Ask employees to describe their ideal job and what they like
or don’t like about their work and then use what you learn to make
work more fulfilling.

“Ultimately, we’re talking about redefining the relation-
ship between boss and subordinate.”

—Jack Welch, Former CEO, General Electric

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