Imagine an office where everyone works together for the good of the company. The employees are engaged, motivated and hard working. The clients are happy. And everyone treats each other with respect.
Is this your reality or just a fantasy?
If you feel your current team is lacking, it’s time to take action. According to Gallup, 70 percent of an employee’s motivation is influenced by his or her manager. A primary function for every leader, regardless of the number of direct reports you have, is building a positive work environment.
Begin by taking a look around your office. You may have a handful of colleagues who are causing issues, some who just ride the tide and a few who could help you bring that office dream team to life. Here’s what you need to do:
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- Keep your star performers. Realize that employees don’t necessarily leave jobs; they leave work environments. So build the best possible work environment for your stars. Let these folks know that you recognize and appreciate their hard work. Provide regular and specific feedback about why you value having them on your team. And remind them that the work they’re doing matters. Treat them as office celebrities; otherwise, they may walk out the door at the first opportunity.
- Have high expectations for everyone. Employees are at their best when they are working with like-minded professionals. So, keep your hard-working employees happy by expecting top-quality work from everyone on your team. It can be very demotivating to work alongside someone not pulling their weight. Let your staff know what you expect and regularly reinforce your message. This ensures positive change, builds loyalty and boosts productivity.
- Manage the troublemakers. There’s no easy answer here. Depending on the issue at hand, you may need to become a better mentor, confront them about their actions or rethink the position. Knowing how to manage these difficult situations is what sets top leaders apart. My 4-week online course can help you craft and deliver the most effective and influential messages. And if you decide it is time to let someone go, this video can help you do the deed without damaging your reputation.
