5 ways to motivate others

This blog post is sponsored by:
Self Help

Motivation is a matter of getting to know the people around you – what drives them, what fires them, what makes them happy, and what makes them willing to put in more than necessary. The fact that you are an entrepreneur means you have found what it is that motivates you – now it’s time to find what it is that can motivate others.

As an entrepreneur of a small business, you are the boss – but being the boss does not mean you should act like a tyrant to get things done to your liking. A tyrant can only inspire fear and resentment – at first, you might find that things are getting done faster than before, but in the long run, the people around you and the people who work for you will grow to hate you and your autocratic ways, and will find subversive ways to thwart your biddings.

A wise entrepreneur knows that his employees constitute the heart of the company, and without a staff that is enthusiastic and motivated, his business is going nowhere.
Your ability to interact with the people on a relational level largely affects how you motivate them to make your business a resounding success.

Be a role model

As a leader, you set the tone for fellow entrepreneurs and other people. Practice what you preach – if you yourself are unmotivated, don’t expect them to be all fired up. Be enthusiastic, be motivated – and inspire the people around you. Arrive on time, wear the proper attire, work happily and hard – be all the things you expect your people to be.

Communicate with your employees

Direct interaction with your people is vital, and must be done on a regular basis. Having regular discussions with employees will improve your relationship – plus it helps you, the entrepreneur, to assess what it is that motivates them to work harder.

Offer incentives

Not all incentives must be money. Sometimes the best incentives are those that demonstrate creativity and thoughtfulness on the employer’s part. Offer concert tickets or restaurant gift certificates for employees who demonstrate outstanding performance and service. To up the excitement, don’t tell your people what the reward will be until the goal has been achieved.

Recognize a job well done

An employee goes the extra mile to complete a major project, or an account has been acquired owing to the superb work of your people. Take the time to celebrate as a company for a spectacular job. It can be simple; it can be grandiose – order pizza or organize a party outside of the office. Show your people how proud you are to have them in your business.

Treat your people with kindness and respect

When employees perceive that you care about their well-being and respect them as valuable members of your business, they are willing to show cooperation, enthusiasm, and loyalty to you and your small business. Kindness and understanding go a long way towards motivating your employees in helping you to achieve your goals as an entrepreneur.

April 25, 2007 | Filed Under Motivation