Motivating employees effectively involves understanding individual needs beyond financial incentives, providing clear direction, and fostering a supportive environment. Encouraging learning from mistakes and appreciating staff contributions are key elements in building loyalty and performance. A positive workplace culture enhances teamwork and can lead to greater employee commitment and overall success for the organization.

1. Human ResouRces
Motivating Employees =
Strong Performance and Loyalty!
written by Lisa Powers, PHR - President/Owner of Career Options
A
lmost all employees hope for a challenging role, dEvElop ClEAr ExpECtAtions rEGArdinG
fair compensation and a rewarding environment. EmploYEE pErformAnCE
But motivating employees takes more than
money and an occasional pat on the back. It requires By doing so, employees understand what is
a strategy specifically tailored to each individual acceptable and not acceptable. this will help to
employee. As you review your own motivating avoid confusion and frustration, which is a clear
philosophy (or lack of one), here are some essential de-motivator. when you do need to change
components to remember: direction, give employees clear direction so they
know what to expect and why. Lastly, do not
(920) 832-4500 Ask Your
EmploYEEs About
tolerate poor performance – this can often make
high-performing employees feel as if they are being
thEir GoAls. taken advantage of, which can be detrimental to
Lisa Powers motivation.
Having an open
Lisa PoweRs is PResident and discussion with your
owneR of caReeR oPtions. employees shows EnCourAGE
www.caReeR-oPtions.com
that you are genuinely humor And
PResident@caReeR-oPtions.com
interested in them. lAuGhtEr
as you listen, offer
tools to help them
in thE
accomplish these goals. WorkplACE
whether you can
offer a mentor, college if your
courses or skills training, these opportunities that employees
you create for them build loyalty and motivation! enjoy coming to work, the payoff is tremendous.
Remember that you can enjoy humor yet still
provide a professional environment where clients
are #1.
undErstAnd WhAt motivAtEs EACh
EmploYEE
as you interview, ask this question to help you
EnCourAGE rEsponsibilitY And lEAdErship
see how they are motivated. Beware of using opportunitiEs
money as a sole reward. if employees are paid fair
salaries and still seem unwilling to go the extra this will create independent thinkers who can
mile, tossing more money at them will rarely help your company excel. most employees like
give you the result you want. whether your to be challenged, as opposed to being bored.
employees want a more flexible schedule, work/ Help them by promoting ownership in their daily
life balance, a promotion, or a bonus check, it is responsibilities.
important to understand each individual’s needs
and what is important for them to succeed.
12 Our next article could be on your business! Call Outbound Marketing at 920-432-2624.

2. www.companymag.com | October 2008
www.companymag.com | June
usE mistAkEs As An opportunitY to lEArn
mistakes are part of every employee’s learning curve. By
encouraging learning, you create an environment where people are
comfortable admitting mistakes. it also means, however, that they
are held accountable and understand how to prevent the same
mistakes from occurring in the future.
shoW GEnuinE ApprECiAtion for Your stAff
Whether it is a handwritten “Thank You”, a lunch gift certificate,
or an opportunity to leave early on a friday afternoon, it can go
a long way! in addition, when you are giving recognition, make
sure it is timely, specific and sincere. Kathy Peotter
Co-owner
Vice President
EnCourAGE A tEAm Effort
Design • Print • Mail
if you pit one against the
other, your culture will be 510 N. ONEIDA STREET
APPLETON, WI 54911
fiercely competitive and
combative. Help others www.bouwerprinting.com
to understand how one kathy@bouwerprinting.com
PHONE: 920.734.9997
department relates to the
FAX: 920.731.6050
other and reward a positive
team philosophy.
rECoGnizE thAt somE EmploYEEs CAn’t bE motivAtEd
it is important to
employ different
methods of
motivation, but
know that if
nothing is working,
the employee may
no longer be the
right fit for your
organization. it
may be best to
encourage the employee to seek a new opportunity, and in turn,
both parties will be happier.
Lastly, remember that motivating employees by encouraging
a professional culture and rewarding positive behavior has
numerous advantages. when encouraged to perform well
and benefiting personally and financially, employees develop
loyalty and personal commitment to their work. It is a win/
win situation, and you will see your company soar to greater
heights!
Did you know? In 1920, Babe Ruth out-homered every American League team. 13