Christmas is over and next free days are far away. Economy is in the same condition as before the holidays, it is still winter outside and worplaces are full of stress. How to keep employees motivated at this time of the year? Managers usually respond in two ways - they either bet on rhetoric and push their teams by slogans like: "We can do it!" or set out big aggressive goals that often cannot be realized. Inc.com advises to stay calm and stick to 7 simple rules.
1. Be honest to employees
Do not try to conceal risks that your business faces. It would not save your people from fear.
2. Remind your purpose
Your people should know why - besides money - it makes sense to go to work every day.
3. Have a plan
Set goals that are meaningful and realistic and will not reinforce other hopelessness in your ranks. Focus on standards that will show real progress in the right direction.
4. Be personal
Celebrate personal achievements of employees so that everyone could see that success is possible.
5. Communicate more rather than less
Lack of information leads to gossip, misinterpretations and fear. Talk to your people openly about how you stand. In addition to meetings take also advantage of informal opportunities such as lunches.
6. Do not make impossible promises
Do not waste time speculating about what will happen for example with the economy. Keep the focus on things that you can control or at least partially influence.
7. Let your people go home
The economic crisis has already lasted for a long time, we are all tired. More and more members of your employees' families and neighborhoods are stressed or unemployed. Allow them to spend time together according to their own wishes.
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