by Harold Thompkins

Created on: February 20, 2010   Last Updated: February 21, 2010

The best employees want to work for the best companies. In most high performing companies the performance of employees begins with the organizational culture. Most individuals want to be a connected to, associated with and to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Employees are no different they want to feel the work they do is important they desire a career with a company that is successful and allows them the opportunity to develop, advance and grow professionally. Employees who feel they have a chance to make a difference are generally motivated to do a good job.

The motivation level of employees starts with self motivation and how well they do the job is based upon work ethic. The employees who do a good job have a personal level of commitment toward their professional responsibilities and performance. Staff motivation to do a good job must be ingrained in the company culture.

The recruitment and hiring process should include identifying highly qualified, highly motivated applicants individuals who are high achievers. This will require the leadership of the company to clearly communicate expectations and provide training to prepare prospective employees to be successful.

The leadership must be confident enough to hire the most skilled and talented employee they can hire. This will create a high performance environment where staff influences and push each other through healthy competition. In this environment  positive peer pressure can keep staff motivated to do a good job. 

The culture of the company should build upon productivity of staff by having a solid staff recognition program, training opportunities, contest, promotional opportunities that reward staff and financially compensate them for a job well done. In order to keep staff motivated to do a good job requires management, staff and culture working in unison for a common mission. There must be a balance company and individual incentives that creates motivation.

The company that maintains staff  who are motivated to do a good job must maintain a high performance culture that expresses a message that attracts and  promotes a high level of motivation. The management team must provide a mission focused approach to work to get and maintain "buy in" from all staff to develop consistency among all levels of staff.

In order to have staff who are motivated to do a good job requires reinforcement, persistence and momentum. Success must be celebrated often and accomplishments must be publicized. The work that staff does must be acknowledged by individuals, departments and leadership.

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