How to Motivate People at Work

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How to Motivate People at Work

People come to work for many reasons, and understanding these reasons helps motivate them to work better.

There are two kinds of motivators: positive and negative.

Negative motivators include threats, sanctions, reprimands, and punishments. These methods should only be used as a last resort or in an emergency. Negative motivators create bad blood and are unsustainable.

Positive motivators are more effective. These include:

1. Money

Everyone values money because it provides choices.

2. Things equivalent to money

For example, vouchers or time off.

3. Recognition for achievements

People work for medals, awards, and certificates. For example, councils award organisations with bronze, silver, gold, and platinum awards, and companies strive to achieve these.

4. Job security

In an uncertain marketplace, job security is valuable. Most people will work to secure their position.

5. Verbal praise and appreciation

Thanks, praise, and appreciation are free to give and costly not to. Failure to appreciate people causes failure. Give appreciation for good work, and you will see more good work.

6. Investment in professional development

Invest in someone’s professional development to motivate them. Tell them you are helping them actualise their full potential. This makes people feel appreciated and valued, and they will work harder.

7. Promise of possible promotion

Without giving cast iron guarantees, telling people their career is on an upward path inspires them to work harder.

Honesty in Motivation

For these methods to be effective, they must be done with complete honesty. Any dishonesty will cause failure. The moment a person is perceived as dishonest, that person loses the trust of others.

If you want to motivate people use a selection of the above seven positive motivators.

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Our highly rated two-day Personal Development Course covers motivating both yourself and others.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

If you’re looking to develop your Motivation Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

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