by Mike Stratfold

Created on: October 31, 2009

It is so important to keep your staff motivated at all times and many managers in the workplace lack the required skills and knowledge to perform effectively in this area. Let's examine the key points of motivation that have been utilized effectively by many of the top leaders of the world.


1. Be assertive, not aggressive or passive.


It is vital that a manager understands who he or she is and as a consequence can deal with other people effectively. Don't change who you are, but do change the way you respect yourself and respect the other people around you. This is what assertive managers do well.

2. Use all of your leadership skills effectively.


Know your strengths and areas for improvement. Understand the principles of leadership underlying the five modern leadership styles which are namely:

Participative style.
Delegating style.
Negotiative style.
Directive style.
Consulting style.

If you can use all of these effectively then your staff will be happier and far more motivated.


3. Enrich your staff with new knowledge.

Teach your staff new things, whether it be a new training course or a workshop. If staff continue to learn then they are constantly motivated.


4. Enlarge staff responsibilities.

Give those staff that deserve it added responsibilities and you will reap the benefits of having satisfied staff members. Remember that not all staff enjoy added duties so you have to choose wisely.


5. Rotate staff duties.


Get your staff to rotate the jobs they do in the workplace and watch the motivation levels increase.


6. Have some fun in the workplace.

This does not mean to be ridiculous or too silly, it simply means to have a positive attitude and to not be so serious in the workplace all the time.

7. Set the boundaries and rules.


Staff like to know what they can and can't do in the workplace.
Have simple rules that everyone knows and understands.


8. Use and understand all of the management skills.


These are planning, organizing, leading and controlling skills. If you use all of these effectively as a manager then your staff will trust and respect you.

9. Provide specific feedback.

Give both positive and constructive feedback at all times. This can be done through performance appraisals or through one on one direct feedback given on a regular basis. Do not provide negative feedback. Instead, provide constructive feedback, which is in effect telling staff negative things in a positive way.

10. Increase your own knowledge base.

The more you learn as a manager, the wiser you become and thus the more effective you should be as a motivator and leader.



11. Be available to all staff members.

If staff need help then help them and do not ignore them. If you listen to your staff, then they will listen to you.



12 Be empathetic.

Show that you are human and are compassionate towards your staff members.

If you do all of these things then I sincerely believe that your staff will be far more motivated and happier in the workplace.

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