Working with a team can be challenging. These are different people with different personalities, attitudes, strengths, and qualities. However, to get the best of them as a leader, you must understand the dynamics of motivating them for overall success.
A good leader must make motivating his/her team a priority otherwise the brand/company goals would never be met. This would be a bad sign for the company/brand.
Here are 5 ways a good leader motivates his/her team:
1.Show support
Firstly, every leader should have a supportive team, this can not be overemphasized, Having a team that is very open and supportive of each other is encouraging. The employees will go to each other when they are stuck on a project or need some extra input. A good support system is a great motivator because it allows team members to ditch the leader’s doubts.
2. Allowing sharing of ideas
Conduct regular brainstorming sessions where every team member has a chance to be creative and get involved in big projects. This is way you get a team excited about our company projects and goals. Have a regular time and place to contribute your ideas really encourages the team to aim higher, think creatively, and work more effectively.
3. Allow ownership
Allow everyone “to own” a project—each individual has the responsibility for one major project in the company/brand. Every person must create, manage, and track the results of a project they get assigned or take on for themselves. Having that extra responsibility motivates each team member to do their absolute best.
4. Appreciate your team members
Another great way to motivate employees is to let them know you appreciate their work and inputs—both publicly and privately. Whether it’s a private email commending someone on a job well done, or a public announcement with a monthly award/certificate, appreciating your team me and their work is always a fantastic motivator.
5. Have fun with team members
All work and no play make your teamwork boring. Make time for fun especially after projects. We have team lunches and games (virtually and in-person), and even an ongoing office prank. All of these activities help the team bond and build stronger relationships with each other. You spend more time with these people than your own family—you should have the opportunity to connect with them and get to know them on a different level.
As a leader, sometimes it can be difficult to motivate your team. But if you make it a priority to try these five things at work, we can guarantee it’ll make a big difference in your team’s motivation, productivity, and happiness.