#56 Management Series - Motivate your teams!
Wednesday, April 28th 2010 @ 1:44 AM
How do you get the best out of your team members? How do you create the right environment for them to grow and excel! What opinions do you have on this subject. If you are interested in some opinions, then you better read on.....
I would suggest that you start with the assumption that your team members would have the following basic needs/aspirations:
- A desire to achieve: want to improve, learn new skills, and pursue excellence.
- A need for affiliation with the team: a need to have positive and friendly relations with work colleagues.
- A desire for self-control: a wish to feel in
charge.
ACHIEVEMENT FOCUS
For the achievement need, the manager needs to introduce a structured process to kick off and evaluate/mentor the staff member in this area. Specifically, the following is suggested:
- set realistic goals...take time to talk with the
person to see what they have in mind. - point out individual improvement
- keep written records of the person's progress and actions agreed.
- meet regularly to discuss progress and re-evaluate goals
Attention to detail and preparation for these meetings are key!
AFFILIATION FOCUS
The need to be part of a group and feel accepted is one of the strongest motive for key achievement and success.
You role as manager is to set the right culture for this. Some suggested examples are:
- have a moment for team talks, keep these informal and relaxed
- provide opportunities for social get together after meetings
- encourage members to help one another and to do things together
- have parties to celebrate team goals and recent achievements
- and finally, remind them that everyone is a valued member of the team
SELF CONTROL FOCUS
This gives the leader the greatest satisfcation when team members take the initiative and make great decisions!
There are a couple of things that a manager can do to make this happen:
- Take the time to listen to staff's ideas and explore their opinions.
- Give them a chance to make a decision when it really matters
- Give them a chance to be leaders, put them in a leadership position
