Page 26 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

Part Two

Perfect Phrases for

Motivating Employees

Words carry immense power. They can motivate, encourage, promise
hope, and make people feel like they’re part of something special;
conversely, they can demotivate, discourage, and make people feel
alienated or taken for granted. In the wrong hands (or mouths), words
can be weapons, even when that’s not the intent. Some people sim-
ply believe that others would be embarrassed by praise or that a little
shouting or name-calling is part of the process and no one really
takes jabs at their competence to heart. Your best bet is to assume
that people take words at face value and that they may be more sen-
sitive than you think. Remember, too, that no one has ever been hurt
by well-deserved, genuine praise.
So choose your words carefully—those you use out loud, as well
as those you use in your inner dialogue. Your life, it is said, is a reflec-
tion of your thoughts. As a supervisor or business owner, your work
environment is also very much a reflection of your thoughts. Your
words contribute to the experience of those around you. Everyone
has off days, but if you’ve created a truly motivational environment,
you or an employee having an off day will be supported, maybe even
uplifted, instead of pulling everyone else down with you. Positive
environments give off a positive charge; the first step in motivation is
creating that environment.

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