Motivation Rather Manipulation

If you are looking for a particular result from an employee it is important to remember that proper motivation before and after the request is key to your success. All to often managers will try to figure out a way to manipulate an employee into performing a less than favorable task. Instead a manager should, practice employee praise in advance, get the employee involved in the task from the beginning, praise for present success and use that current success for future motivation.

It is important to remember that people have a passion for projects when they are a part of the plan. Employees hate to work on projects when they have no vested interest in the project or its success. One of my great mangers said, “Your employees need to have some skin in the game”. I could not agree more.

Bob was an excellent welder. His boss was asked to find the best welder to work on a special project on a Saturday. Bob’s boss knew he hated to work on the weekend. It was not about money to Bob so paying extra was the wrong way to approach the subject. Instead the boss shared the project with Bob in advance. Explained to Bob that he was the best man for the job. Asked Bob to get involved in the planning of the project and ultimately rewarded him with extra pay and praise for his efforts. The reason this tactic worked is because the boss had already praised Bob weeks prior about his abilities. Waiting until you need something to tell someone they are the best is a 100% sure sign of manipulation.

Remember a simple saying about employee praise… Public Praise Proliferates Pride. Pride in your job is often ranked as more important than money by many national surveys.

Getting the best result from employees taking planning and strategy. But, your efforts will be made simple if you start with one common goal in mind. Praise your team often. If you are a senior executive be sure that you insist that your managers praise employees in their weekly reports to the boss. Be sure your employees know that they are an important part of the success.

Comments to: Ryan.Dohrn@morris.com