Motivating Employees 101

"Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate." --- Vince Lombardi

A business leader that can motivate his team creates an unstoppable workforce. Unfortunately motivating employees is a pain in the tail for most business leaders. Getting employees to see things the way you do is frustrating, but not impossible. The key is to get everyone on board rowing the ship in the same direction. In order to do that, the good business leader must be constantly looking for opportunities to get the message to all team members.

Here are three quick steps that can be applied and implemented right away to get your employees motivated and excited about the vision and mission of the company. When used regularly, more and more team members get the message, as well as get fired up!

1.) Tell them where you've been . Share war stories about past struggles and successes that brought the business to where it is today. Let team members know that they are part of a long process to be where they are today and that your sacrifices were part of that process. Be sure to point out obstacles that were overcome and setbacks that didn't discourage the business from growing. These stories help team members to see the past so that they can appreciate how their work contributes to the future.

2.) Tell them where they are going . Everyone needs to know what the journey is going to be like. Monthly and annual goals let employees know the destinations, but also share with them what the journey looks like. Let them know that the mission, vision, and purpose statements aren't just posters on the wall in the lobby, but real from-the-heart-and-gut passion of direction. Employees want and need to know how what they are doing affects the overall outcome of the business as well as the bottom line.

3.) Throw a party, and not just at Christmas. Try to celebrate every success. If a salesperson closes a big account, celebrate. If a salesperson closes a small account, celebrate. If an employee graduates from college or earns a certificate, throw a party. Celebrate everything big and small. Show your team that each step that brings the company closer to its goals is celebrated. Instill in them the passion for celebrating successes.

Begin changing your company culture today to one that seeks, enjoys, and celebrates success. When you can do that, you have a motivated team.