Let’s dive into something crucial but sometimes overlooked—making our team members feel truly valued. This goes beyond a paycheck to genuine appreciation that can light up the workplace and drive business growth.
Building a Dream Team (Without Fairy Godmothers)
You might think assembling a top-notch team is like waving a magic wand—just hire the best talent and boom! But, reality check: It’s more like planting a garden. You need to nurture, water, and sometimes even talk to those plants. Patrick Lencioni nailed it when he said, “Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage.” So, what are we doing to keep our garden growing?
The Motivation Mystery: Feeling Valued
Ever had one of those days when you feel like a cog in the machine? Spoiler alert: Every employee has too. The secret to tapping into their passion and dedication is showing them they’re valued. Let’s break down some common hurdles and how we can leap over them with style and grace.
Common Challenges Businesses Face When Developing Motivated Teams
Communication Breakdowns: The Silent Treatment
Remember the game of telephone? Now imagine playing it via email, Slack, and Zoom. Hybrid and remote work have made communication trickier than ever. People start working in silos, and before you know it, projects derail. Or worse, they join the rising trend of “ghosting” because they are overstimulated by impersonal communications. So, what’s the fix? How about a weekly virtual coffee chat? Or teaching your team to prioritize different forms of communication to keep everyone on the same page? One example our teams use for one-to-one communication:
- Call: Calls should always be answered, and should be reserved for the most urgent topics.
- Text: should be responded to within 1 hour of receipt
- Ping: Secondary to a text/call. Pings should be read as the first thing you do when you login to your task management platform. So reply within 1 hour of the next time you are logged in.
- Email: High priority, but last priority. Respond within 24 hours.
For some teams, this might seem strict. For others, it might come across too loose. The point is to find what works for your team. Most people can get on board as long as they have clarity on what’s expected. Speaking of…
Unclear Goals and Expectations: The Crystal Ball Problem
Employees aren’t mind readers (though it’d be cool if they were). If they’re foggy on their responsibilities, motivation takes a nosedive. Consistency in communication from the top can clear things up. How about setting up regular town hall meetings to discuss goals and get everyone aligned? Ensure departments are creating systems that foster clear communication. Don’t let lack of clarity be the thing that ruins your workplace culture.
Lack of Recognition: The Invisible Employee
Ever poured your heart into something and got… nothing? It stings. Recognition can be as simple as a heartfelt “thank you” or a shoutout during a team meeting. Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor, says, “It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it.”
Toxic Work Environments: The Drama Zone
Nobody likes working in a negativity bubble. Personality clashes can turn an office into a reality TV show, minus the cameras. Encouraging open communication and addressing conflicts with radical candor can keep the drama at bay.
The Power of Recognition and Appreciation
While everyone loves payday, a paycheck alone won’t keep motivation sky-high. A genuine “thank you” can work wonders. As Donald Miller says, “People want to be understood and respected. If you respect and understand people, they will respect and understand you.” A little appreciation goes a long way.
Practical Ways to Show Appreciation
Monetary Rewards: Bonuses and raises are great, but don’t forget non-monetary perks like extra time off or flexible working hours.
Personalized Videos: Got a knack for video production? Create a personalized message from senior leadership to celebrate achievements. It’s like a virtual high-five!
Positive Reinforcement: Simple gestures, like a shoutout in a meeting or a handwritten note, can humanize the workplace and reinforce core values.
Developing Open Communication and Trust
Trust is the foundation of any great team. Here’s how to build and keep it:
Listening to Employee Concerns: The Empathy Ear
Your employees want to be heard, not brushed off. Establish regular check-ins where they can voice their concerns. Show empathy and take their perspectives seriously.
Accepting and Giving Feedback: The Feedback Loop
Feedback isn’t a one-way street. Creating a culture where both positive and negative feedback is welcomed fosters growth. The earlier mentioned Kim Scott says that “feedback is a gift.” Now that shows giving and receiving feedback in a different light, doesn’t it?
Maintaining Transparent Communication: The Clear Path
Regular updates about business goals and objectives keep employees engaged and aligned with the company’s mission. It’s like giving them a map to the treasure chest.
Supporting Professional Development and Growth
Investing in your team’s growth shows you value them. Here’s how:
Training and Workshops: The Skill Booster
Offer opportunities for employees to learn new skills. Whether it’s in-house training or industry events, it shows you’re committed to their future.
Mentoring and Coaching: The Buddy System
Pairing employees with mentors can boost their confidence and career prospects. David C. Baker wisely notes, “The best employees don’t work for money. They work for an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Sponsoring Further Education: The Education Ally
Covering the cost of courses can be a powerful motivator. It says, “We believe in your potential.” And who doesn’t want to work for someone who believes in them?
Help Your Employees Feel More Valued
Your team’s motivation is closely tied to how valued they feel. By showing appreciation and supporting their growth, you create a positive work environment that drives success. So, what will you do today to make your team feel valued?
Remember, a happy team is a productive team. How are you planning to add a little extra sunshine to your team’s day?
