Page 17 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

The Whys and Wisdom of Motivation: The Manager as Motivator

turnover not only stresses the “survivors,” but it also seriously
impacts your bottom line.
■ “No one motivated me. I motivated myself.” Did you? How? Did
any outside influences play a role? This might be a worthwhile
self-exploration.
■ “The paycheck is motivation enough.” In today’s economy, a
paycheck alone is rarely enough to retain quality employees.
■ “Each employee was hired to do the best possible job and
should just do it.” This is the workplace variation of “I don’t have
to tell her I love her; I married her, didn’t I?”
This style of “motivate-yourself management” does little to pro-
mote self-motivation, which, if nurtured, is a powerful force. The first
excuse costs time and money, not to mention lost customer confi-
dence, while the last three obviously fail to take human nature into
account.
Motivation includes both incentives and positive reinforcement,
and it provides a reason beyond the paycheck for employees to care
about the company. Employees who care about their company and its
customers positively affect the company’s success. Those who don’t
care have the opposite effect.

Reasons for Motivating Employees

Motivated Employees
■ Contribute to a positive work environment
■ Affect the morale of those around them
■ Are team players
■ Are willing (if able) to go the extra mile in a crisis
■ Motivate clients and customers to return
■ Put a friendly face to your good name
■ Care about their company’s image and success, and it shows
■ Are more likely to be self-starters and innovators
■ Have strong personal goals

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