Motivating a team of different individuals is one of the hardest challenges for any leader. Team members are different, what works for one doesn’t work for someone else etc. Lack of time is one of the excuses used by some leaders and it can be an issue. But it doesn’t have to take a huge amount of time to motivate your team and keep them motivated.
Also, the upside of having a motivated and focussed team is huge. Increased productivity, better customer interactions, more sales, a fun place to come to work are some of the many benefits that come out of having a motivated team.
In my experience, the clear factor always shines through with motivated teams – it’s the leader. This could be a great store manager, area manager, franchisee or business owner. It’s all down to them. Some leaders have the innate ability to just know what to do to motivate their team, yet so many lack the abilities to do this.
I read an article recently that highlighted eight phrases that should be used regularly, and if so will lead to a highly motivated and focused team. These phrases came from the CEO of Lexion Capital Management, Elle Kaplan, who comments “If you use these phrases, you will not only see more employee engagement, but your own success will skyrocket.” I agree wholeheartedly with Elle, it’s up to us as leaders to provide the motivation that gets a team up and running and keeps them there.
- “I have total confidence in you.” If you hire the right people, train them and let them loose. No one likes to be micromanaged, if you do this you’ll severely diminish their creativity.
- “This is what I want us to accomplish.” All the research points to people want to know where the company is going, where they fit in and how they can make a difference.
- “What can we do better next time?” When things go wrong, as they will if you are giving your people a chance (refer to point 1) don’t smash them, look at this as a learning opportunity. You can’t change what has happened but you can influence the future and you want them motivated to doing it better next time.
- “I want to play to your strengths.” Find out what people are good at and provide opportunities for them to use these skills. This builds confidence early.
- “What is your opinion?” This question is critical if you want to grow your people. Always providing the answers inhibits their ability to think, challenge them to come up with an answer – it might even be better than yours.
- “How can I better support you?” A simple question that shows you care and want them to be successful as well as showing your humility.
- “Let me know if you have any questions.” This allows people to get on and do it knowing they can always rely on you for support.
- “Good work.” The simplest and easiest thing to say to any of your team members that they all love hearing – but don’t hear often enough. This is a phrase that must be used daily!
Some pretty simple phrases that you can use on a regular basis that will motivate all of your team members to be the best they can be. And that’s all you can ask.
The challenges for all leaders is to find the time to use these phrases regularly. Your success will come through the success of your team, so it’s up to you to find that precious amount of time to just do it.
Roger Simpson – CEO, The Retail Solution and Author of “The Retail Solution” With over 35 years’ industry experience, Roger Simpson is recognized as Australia’s #1 Authority on customer ROI in the retail industry and as a global expert on staff coaching, customer service, and selling skills.
