Top Ten Ways to Motivate Employees

Motivational expert Bob Nelson, author of the best selling books 1001 Ways to Reward Employees and 1001 Ways to Energize Employees, identified his top ten ways to motivate employees as:

• Personally thank employees for doing a good job --one on one, verbally, in writing or both. Do it in a timely manner, often and sincerely.
• Be willing to take the time to meet with and listen to employees, as much as they need or want.
• Provide specific feedback about performance of the person, department or the organization.
• Strive to create a work environment that is open, trusting and fun. Encourage new ideas and initiative.
• Provide information about how the company makes and loses money, upcoming products, strategies for competing in the marketplace, and how the employee fits into the overall plan.
• Involve employees in decisions, especially when those decisions affect them.
• Provide employees with a sense of ownership in their work and the work environment.
• Recognize, reward and promote people based on their performance. Deal with low and marginal performers so they either improve or leave.
• Give employees a chance to grow and learn new skills. Show them how you can help them meet their goals within the context of meeting the organization's goals. Create a partnership with each employee.
• Celebrate the success of the company, department, and individuals. Take time for team and morale-building meetings and activities.