mind your business: 7 Ways To Keep Your Team Motivated

Many managers think that money is the prime motivator for their employees. However, according to surveys by several companies, money is consistently ranked fifth or lower. The more important issues? Respect, a sense of accomplishment and recognition, employees said. Taking that into consideration, let's explore seven ways to motivate your team:

1. Involve them. Many employees want to be involved in the ongoing development and progress of their company. Plus, they often have insightful ideas that can make a significant difference in the company. When they are involved, they buy in faster and resist less. This means you can implement change(s) more quickly and easily.

2. Communicate. Very few businesses can be accused of over-communicating. A frequent axiom in business is, "No news is good news." However, employees want regular updates on the progress of the business and their personal performance. Use memos, e-mail, telephone and one-on-one and group meetings to keep your team informed. Talk to your team members regularly, have lunch or coffee with them and let them know if the business is on track. Tell them what challenges the business is facing (they may have suggestions). Give them feedback on their performance—if you have a concern with a specific component, tell them and give them the opportunity to correct their behavior.

3. Celebrate individual and team performance. Recognize individual excellence by providing positive reinforcement—issue awards or use a corporate newsletter to highlight specific achievements. Send thank-you, birthday and anniversary cards as well as congratulatory notes. Make personal phone calls and send e-mails. Better yet, if you work in a large organization, have a senior executive send the e-mail or make the call.

Recognize team efforts by posting performance charts on the wall or throwing an impromptu get-together. Treat your team to lunch or a pizza party, post team pictures on your Intranet and around the office or give them plaques, certificates, coffee mugs, etc.