by Janeen Elite

Created on: August 26, 2009

Good managers know that the best way to get your employees to perform well is by motivating them.

The following are a few tips on how you can motivate your employees to ensure a happier, and therefore more productive work place.

Stay Positive, Enthusiastic and Excited Yourself.

As a company owner, manager, or boss, your employees will be taking their cue from you. If they find you frustrated, angry, worried or depressed, they are going to follow suit be it consciously or unconsciously. It is important to get people excited about success, just as it is important that they know you have faith and believe in them and the company.

Find out what motivates each employee.

A common mistake made by many managers is the automatic assumption that all that is needed to motivate employees is money. While this may true in many cases, it certainly isn't true for all. Some employees might simply need more personal recognition or to feel as if they are making a valuable contribution. Others might be interested in having their opinion heard, may want to have more input in the way things are being done, or might be motivated by getting a promotion. While others still might simply be motivated by the promise of more time off to spend with their families.

If your goal is to motivate certain employees it is important to know exactly what their priorities are and what they would be willing to worker harder for.

Ask for their ideas.

Another common mistake made by many bosses and managers is the belief that the way things are currently being done is the only way. It can be very frustrating to an employee if they know of a quicker or more efficient way of doing their job, but simply aren't allowed to because of current restrictions. Check in with your employees once in awhile and ask for their input. It can be in a one-on-one meeting, a group lunch or even by a general questionnaire asking for their opinion on any improvements they believe can be made.

Most employees will feel more motivated simply by knowing that their opinion counts and that they are having some kind of input. While all their ideas might not be feasible, you might be surprised at how many could actually save the company time and money as well as naturally motivate the employee to do whatever they can to make the new plan work.

Give Recognition When and Where It Is Due

In many instances recognition is just as important as financial rewards to an employee who probably spends more hours of their life at their job than in their own home.

It can be something as simple as mentioning to the employee how much you appreciated a job well done, an announcement in the company newsletter praising an employee or department, a special lunch out or celebration for the group that accomplished a particular goal, or even a letter of commendation in an employee's work file. Sometimes a little praise and recognition is all an employee will need to want to do an even better job in the future.

Cash Bonus or Extra Time Off

Contests and competitions can also help to motivate your employees. Depending on the nature of your business see if you can start monthly competitions. For example, whoever answers the most phone calls or brings in the most new clients will receive an extra few hundred dollars in their paycheck or a free weeks vacation. As long as it doesn't cause any problems by getting cut throat, this can be another fun way to get your employees excited about producing again.

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