Page 141 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

expectations are reasonable. If you were in their positions,
would you be making the sacrifices you’re asking them to
make?
■ Are the lead times you give before deadlines realistic?
■ If your expectations are unreasonable, no amount of
motivation will sustain a workforce’s exhilaration in climbing
uphill.
■ People need goals they can meet and small successes they can
achieve daily or weekly.
■ If your employees continually fail, look at ways to motivate
them, but also look at their realistic chances for success within
the parameters you’ve given them.
■ Are people putting a negative buzz in the air every day? Why?
■ Is the physical environment conducive to success, or would
someone describe it as bleak or run-down? It doesn’t take
much to get a coat of paint on the walls, hang some cheerful
artwork, or get a few plants.
■ Did you just renovate and now everyone seems to be hitting
a slump—with some suddenly calling in sick more than
usual? Sick building syndrome is real, and certain chemicals
can cause brain fog or a myriad of other physical symptoms.
If you’ve just painted or put in new carpeting or walls, air out
the area well and consider an air filter, especially if you don’t
have windows.
■ Maintain your enthusiasm and support others in rediscovering
theirs.

Motivational Phrases
■ “What problems interfere with your meeting deadlines?”
■ “What do you believe held you back from completing this
project on time?”
■ “What skills do you believe you need to develop through
additional training in order to meet our goals?”

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