I recently had a chat with a long standing client who told me how their staff still remembered and worked with the motivational concepts I had spoken about during a talk some two years ago. Whilst I would love to take all the credit, in truth the long lasting motivational effect goes beyond my one hour presentation.
During the days and months that followed the talk, my client and his team reminded each other (in a positive way) of the key principles they had heard. As they passed each other in the passage, along with the 'how are you?'' would go 'keep positive today!'. They circulated uplifting ideas and writings (such as my articles - good choice Mike!) so that people would reflect on the quality of their thoughts and actions that day. The management focus was not only on achieving business objectives, but also on keeping positive thoughts flowing in the minds of all.
Managers can do so much to keep their staff motivated and productive, but what separates good managers who do this, from those who do not? First and foremost good managers assume responsibility - it's all too easy to shift the blame to staff saying the problem lies with their poor attitudes.
Good moral is a two way street - and management directs the flow. When managers separate themselves from the attitude of their staff, it sets the scene for a disempowered environment all round. Alternatively when everyone is picking up their load, the relationships alter. In some way they become similar to that of family.
Those individuals that flourish in life are more often than not, people who feel safe and empowered at home. These feelings arise out of a family environment which says three things: we love you, we believe in you and we are vitally interested in your life.
Those business teams that thrive in fact contain exactly the same three elements, and whilst one does not see the boss ironing his employee's clothes, successful teams are still underpinned by a strong sense of caring for each other. The love in families says 'I'm for you', and it is this same sense of 'I'm for you' that builds healthy teams. Demonstrating belief is the second important element. Over the years of my personal growth, much of what I did was enabled because of the knowledge that my mother believed in me - totally. In my down moments, she would always say 'you'll make it, you're great'. In the up times, she was my biggest fan. Believing in each other is the most precious gift you can ever give. Great bosses believe in their staff. Great staff believe in their bosses.
When caring and belief come together this automatically leads to being vitally interested. Work is not merely a sterile production environment. It's a gathering together of human beings with feelings. Taking time to be interested in each other's lives brings meaning to each other. Work with meaning, is motivation in action.
In the same way that the head of the family creates a healthy and happy vibe at home, effective management teams deliberately put in place a good work environment. It's a natural extension of caring, belief and vital interest. But more than, that these elements form an compelling motivation within the management team to help their staff achieve their best. So let's make this week good management week. Choose to care, believe and be interested. It's the road to a motivated and happy work force.
© Catherine M Glennie
