There are two types of motivation that management tends to use. The first is Positive Reinforcement the other is Negative Motivation or threats. I bet you can already guess which type is most effective.

Positive Reinforcement is when you show your staff that you appreciate their contributions to the company even in times when business may not be doing so well. I would even say that when business is bad this is when your staff needs to be pumped up a little. Reminding your staff of your past successes and the role that they played in those successes can be effective. Contests that promote teamwork and camaraderie are also great examples of Positive Reinforcement. When you work with your staff daily chances are that you will get to know them on a somewhat personal basis, this will allow you to find out what motivates them. This only requires that you listen and pay attention when they open up to you.

Negative Motivation would consist of any type of communication with your staff that they could be interpreted as a threat. There are actually people that have managed to work themselves up the chain of command using such tactics. Threats only make your staff either fear you or despise you. Either way it is not an effective manner of motivation. People usually know that they need their jobs without management holding them over their heads. These managers should remember that there are a lot of companies out there that would really appreciate having employees that are as dedicated and hardworking as their employees are.

If you are a member of management I would suggest that you reach back into your memory to a time before you were in management and treat your staff with the same respect that you wanted to be treated with then. If you are a staff member I would advise you to remember that anyone can have a bad day. Remember that your manager deserves your loyalty and respect. If it the time comes when you can no longer give this to them then you should start looking for a position in a company that will allow you a more positive environment to work in.

Learn more about this author, Regina W.
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