The Business Motivational Speaker Viewpoint - Staff Motivation

2009-08-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Knowing how to keep your staff motivated is not only an essential skill for a business motivational speaker, but also for managers at all levels. Many studies have been done in this area and have revealed a handful of simple but extremely effective strategies for keeping employees happy and productive, even in tough business times.

One real important thing to bear in mind is that individuals are not necessarily motivated by the same things. For example, not everyone is motivated by a business inspirational speaker. So, don't automatically think your staff will respond to the same motivators that get your juices flowing. As a manager of people, it will serve you well to pay attention to each of the people working for you and take note of what's important to them and what inspires them. The following tips have been proven to work for many different groups of people.

1. People Respond To Positive Energy
I'm sure at some business meeting you've heard the old motivational speaker saying, "You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Even the least motivated employee will start to respond to compliments for the things they're doing right. Try to focus on the good aspects of their work and make them feel good about the work they do. Compliments can be addictive—help them want to earn more.

2. Carrot vs. Stick
It's been well established that positive attention works better than negative attention when attempting to change someone's behavior. In tough times, it is vitally important to recognize good work quickly and publicly. Even if it's just a verbal 'thank you for doing such a great job', individuals will respond enthusiastically to the positive attention being paid to them. And giving compliments in the presence of other staff members can be the fuel that carries your organization through. People are very willing to work hard for someone that values their work and input. And bear in mind that very small 'rewards' given out often can have much more long term impact than one big promotion in a years time. If something is right, tell them now, not later.

3. Make Training Investments
One way to make your staff feel valued is to invest in the improvement of their skill set. Holding seminars and staff training sessions is good for the company because you get better trained staff and the staff will feel you've invested in them. Another plus is that it gives them a chance to be out of the usual office environment for that period of time. Little breaks, even though they're work related, can be significant morale boosters. You may even consider hiring a business motivational speaker!

4. Laugh Together
Sometimes, especially in very trying economic times, laughter is the best medicine. Try implementing some inexpensive but fun things into the agenda. Many companies have tried 'casual Friday' or getting to go home a little early at the end of the week. Perhaps bringing in bagels or donuts once a week. Anything that makes people feel that they're being treated respectfully and being appreciated. People value those who value them.

Bottom line: You don't have to be a business motivational speaker to motivate your staff. Try the above tips and you'll be just fine.

More Great Business Motivational Tips For Your Staff

2009-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

This business motivational speaker has some excellent clips on YouTube; here's one of them:

Business Motivational Speaker Blog - Business Motivational Tips

The Business Motivational Speaker Viewpoint - Staff Motivation

More Great Business Motivational Tips For Your Staff