A motivated team is the key to a successful business.
When you take steps to motivate your staff members, says Joanne Ferguson, president, coach and consultant of Advisor Pathways in Toronto, they feel like team members instead of just workers.
Ferguson offers these team building tips to keep your team motivated and on track:
> Share the plan
Make sure all team members are clear on the vision for the business, Ferguson says.
“If everyone knows what the plan is,” Ferguson says, “it helps to keep them motivated, because they know what they’re working toward.”
> Hold regular meetings
Keep your team on track by meeting on a regular basis.
Hold weekly or monthly meetings, Ferguson says. Share information and communicate about any issues with the business as well as accomplishments by team members.
> Celebrate milestones
Acknowledging significant dates and achievements helps to motivate team members.
Celebrate milestones — such as a significant anniversary or a job well done on a complicated project — by taking the team member out to lunch, Ferguson says. Or you might offer a monetary bonus or another gift of his or her choice.
> Meet casually
Get to know your team by getting together in a casual setting outside the office.
Meeting in a more relaxed, fun atmosphere helps team members get to know one another outside of work and build a better rapport, Ferguson says.
You could go out to a favourite restaurant for lunch, she suggests. Or invite team members’ families for a skating party followed by a dinner.
> Get their opinions
Soliciting team members’ thoughts and ideas makes them feel valued and involved.
Ask what they think the office should be doing differently, Ferguson says. As well, ask each member to list three main priorities for next year.
That way, everyone has a say in the business’s future.