In 2023, Fast Company asked CEOs, founders and human resources professionals to share their methods for motivating employees.
Following are some of the strategies leaders said they use to effectively motivate their teams.
- Set quarterly goals for success. Lack of communication and vision often are obstacles to employee motivation. Set quarterly goals aligned with the company’s vision at the individual and collective levels through key performance indicators.
- Embrace reverse mentoring. Having younger or less experienced team members guide more seasoned workers can have a profound effect, fostering an environment of mutual respect and continuous learning.
- Provide cross-training programs. A cross-training and skill expansion program can provide opportunities for employees who want to learn about other segments of the company, broadening their skills and opening possibilities for advancement.
- Celebrate wins. Take time in staff meetings or one-on-one meetings to recognize achievements or let team members share wins they have achieved, which can help boost morale.
- Foster intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from building a positive, transparent relationship with employees. When employees trust you care about their well-being and success, they will want to perform well.
- Get to know employees. Ask your employees about their lives and how they want to develop their career. Getting to know people creates long-lasting personal connections.
- Use a strength-based development approach. Encourage each team member to identify their top five strengths, and provide opportunities for them to use those strengths in their job. This empowers employees and boosts their confidence.
