It's simple but do you have it?
If you want to succeed - you gotta have it!
How many people do you know that say they hate their job or their boss or the environment they work in? However, a work environment doesn't have to be dull and oppressive. Employees don't have to feel like they are chained to their desks all day. With some simple management techniques, you can enhance employee motivation and increase your employee retention.
One of the biggest morale boosters you, as the manager, can provide your employees is to give them a voice in some of the company's operations. That doesn't mean they should set the stock price or decide on a hostile takeover. Those are decisions correctly left to upper management and the board of directors. However, there are little things that affect the employees directly. When was the last time you asked them for improvement suggestions and ideas? You will be amazed at the input. In addition, after listening to them, even more importantly, agree to implement some of their ideas. If you don't you will make the staff even more resentful
Managers should not try to fake this method. Listening to your employees' input but implementing what you had already decided will only grow resentment. After all, employees can quickly figure out that none of their suggestions were chosen, even though those suggestions were the majority! Let your employees decide their own fates every once in a while and you will make them happier.
Show your employees that you really are listening to them, and implement some of their ideas. Also make sure they get the credit for the idea in the first place.
Some simple ideas raised by staff can make a huge difference. I remember once, when a member of my staff asked if they could ask me to provide the authorisation to purchase goods via email rather than physically sign. The process where I had to physically sign the authorisation was slowing down the actual purchasing process. My role meant that I was out of the office for several days and I couldn't be there to authorise. By allowing me to authorise by email meant I could do so, when I was out of the office. I was no longer slowing the process down. A great simple idea, which we implemented immediately. When ideas are this simple, you do wonder why you hadn't implemented the change a long time ago.
A last word.....
In today's business world, a manager is paid to perform and carry out a number of tasks. One of which is being available for their staff. Help remove those blockages, which stop your staff delivering a great service. Ask your staff for their ideas and implement some; you will see a positive difference.
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About the Author
Andrew Rondeau offers a FREE e-Course that informs and educates on all aspects of Management and Leadership.
He is the author of the top selling management e-Books 'Accelerate Your Management Effectiveness', 'How To Get A Standing Ovation Every Time You Publicly Present' and 'Learn The Secrets Of Time Management'.
See his article website - http://www.greatmanagement.org/
http://www.andrewrondeau.co.uk/
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