Motivation is Key to Operating a Successful Business

Motivation is key to running a profitable business. By bringing out the best in your people, an organization can be more productive. There are many ways to establish a rapport with your employees that will profit your business. The way you speak to your employees, the way your message gets across to them, means a lot. It's not only what you say, buy also how you say it.

• Do be aware of how you speak and write - it does make a difference to employee motivation.
• Do use active listening in all conversations with your employees.
• Do treat your employees fairly, even if you prefer some over others. 
• Do give all your employees equal attention. 
• Do try to forestall the us-versus-them workplace mentally.
• Do speak clearly and at a comfortable, relaxed pace when addressing staff.
• Do use "you" and the person's name to warm your praise.
• Do remember to praise your employees. No one wants to hear nothing or only negative thoughts.
• Do say "I" when criticizing an employee to diminish the potential for argument.
• Don't forget to use body language to project sincerity, concern, and honesty.
• Don't hesitate to provide compliments and ask about how there day is going.
• Don't forget that your employees have a life too, ask about the seminar they had to attended for work to show your are interested in their work.

Motivation is personal.  As a manager, it is your responsibility to keep your staff motivated. Another list of do's and don't includes:

• Do get input from employees about what they want before setting up a motivational program.
• Don't assume that every employee reacts the same way to a given motivational driver.
• Don't take a "my way or the highway" attitude toward managing employees.
• Do let employees take ownership responsibility for their jobs.
• Don't fail to address lack of motivation as soon as you see it.
• Do offer opportunities for learning and advancement.
• Do take every opportunity to broaden employees' jobs.
• Don't keep all the decision0making authority to yourself.
• Do make employees part of a team and foster cooperation.
• Do build employees' self-esteem by using praise instead of critcism.
• Do look for ways to have fun.
• Don't structure a rewards system that is inequitable. If you take a few chosen employees out for lunch, do so with others as well. 

There is always a communication challenge when you are trying to motivate your employees. Younger workers care little for tradition. They view success differently. Instead, younger workers will place a higher value on individuality, personal freedom, and professional flexibility and creativity.

It is always a challenge to motivate your employees. Remember, before you were a manager, you too acted in the same way. The carrot that brought you to your current job are still there for your employees. Think of how you wanted to be treated. Did it work to keep you motivated? Ask yourself why? Ask yourself, would you like to work for someone like yourself? If your answer is no, think again about your management style. Maybe it's time to be retrospective and change.