1. Learn to hear things that you don’t want to hear
Now, this might some sound a bit crazy, but sometimes when employees tell you that they have a lot of work, it could actually be true. Before you assume that what you’re hearing isn’t valid, take some time to listen and understand the complaints.
The problem may be bad time management or because an employee is legitimately overloaded and not able to do the work as a result.
So no matter the reason for the complaint, it is essential that employees are listened and heard by you.
2. Provide regular, constructive feedback
Provide regular, helpful feedback on what your employees are doing. Learn to do this in a manner that encourages, not discourages employees. That doesn’t mean that you have to consistently give positive feedback. Don’t be afraid to criticize, but make sure that the critics are relevant and fair, and will not discourage an employee.
3. Respect employees as individuals, in addition to the job they do
Respect is an important and powerful motivator, yet for some reason, often neglected. Simply being respectful of employees and their work, can inspire them to go the extra mile and genuinely want to help the company succeed.
4. Make sure that managers of all levels receive adequate training
Often companies heavily invest in “leadership training”, forgetting about supervisors and middle managers while they do the most of the managing.
Ensuring that the middle and lower level managers receive adequate training will essentially improve their management skills. As a result of better management, teams and departments can cooperate better and finish tasks/projects earlier or better.
5. Provide support when it’s needed
It can come in any form: new equipment, emotional support when needed, flexible support for a reasonable level of work-life balance. The support you show in the time of need will never be forgotten; it builds employee goodwill and loyalty.
“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” ― John C. Maxwell
6. Fall out of love with meetings
First of all, before you schedule a meeting, ask yourself if it is really necessary. Every day in the US there are over 25 million meetings. At least half of them are held for no valuable reason.
So before holding a meeting clearly define what you want to achieve from it and who should take part.
7. Change the way you hold your meetings
It does make sense to hold a meeting in a conference room when you have a very important topic to discuss, or you have to discuss it with a big number of people.
But what if you take it outside? It’s a great idea to hold a meeting for 3-4 people in fresh air because you get fresh brains and fresh ideas!
8. Don’t be afraid of recognition
Just like respect, recognition is important. Yet there is a difference between oral and financial recognition. Employee studies have shown that oral recognition is often a more powerful motivator than money.
So don’t be afraid to express some appraisal to your employees.
9. Make sure that rank-and-file members feel as a part of the team
Nothing boosts employee productivity better than a feeling of being part of a team. When employees feel engaged and needed, they will go the extra mile without even the need to be told to.
Developing and maintaining a consistent management approach that engenders esprit de corps is a key link in the productivity process.
“Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.” ― Paul Hawken
10. Set clear goals
This might sound silly, but the majority of managers don’t know how to set goals properly.
Explaining to the team what has to be done, and what shouldn’t can significantly shorten the time of the task execution. it will also help if you explain which result you want to achieve.