Page 38 - How to Motivate Every Employee

force our natural human motivation when they arrange for employ-
ees to enjoy rewards that result from their work. So share the rewards
with all those who have contributed to the organization’s success. For
example, when an employee or group of employees improves a
process or saves the company money, share those benefits with them.
The plan may include a percentage of the savings or a flat bonus.
Recognize and praise them: Besides pay, there are other ways to
share in the rewards of successful performance. For example, you
may be amazed at how employees respond to a simple compliment
for work well done. It’s best to compliment a person face to face,
then follow up by sending him or her a letter or e-mail of apprecia-
tion. And in this day and age of technology-generated correspon-
dence, a handwritten card or thank-you note is valued even more.
Remember to always be specific in your compliments.
Train, train, train: Nothing fires up successful performance
among employees more than training. Training people sends out a
clear message that says, “You are worth this investment!” Give
employees special learning opportunities, both inside and outside of
the organization. Always encourage ongoing personal and profes-
sional development and watch motivation soar! When employees are
exposed to training programs, seminars, e-learning, etc., it tells them
that management really values their performance and wants to help
them to continually improve their skills. When you do this, make
sure you also give employees immediate opportunities to use their
new skills. This way the training pays off quickly and people take
what they learned seriously.

“The shortest and best way to make your fortune is to let
people see that it is in their interests to promote yours”
—Jean de La Bruyere, 17th-century French Writer

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