3 Ways To Utilise The Potential Of Your Team In Achieving Business Objectives
I’m often asked whether money is an effective motivator for persuading people to make and effort and do their best. My response is that money is important to a point. People obviously want to feel that they are appropriately rewarded for what they do. However once they reach a point where they feel that they are appropriately rewarded it becomes less of an issue.
Here are three essentials for getting the best from people in your team to achieve your objectives.
Ask what they want
Find out what will motivate them the most. People are individuals and have different motivations. Some like challenge, recognition and even autonomy. In some countries, and at some stages in their lives, it will be something of monetary value. Others will appreciate recognition from a simple thank you to formal presentations. Most likely you will need a mix of both. If you know what motivates people it is going to be a whole lot easier to get great performance.
Clarify objectives
People in my experience like clarity. Providing clarity about objectives and expectations allows people to avoid wasting valuable time and energy trying to figure out what is expected of them. Clearly explain the detail of your team’s objectives. What are they, why does the team need to achieve them, what happens if you don’t, how can individuals play their part, what are the steps to achieve them, how do you want team members to work together on these objectives are all important questions.
Listen to their ideas and concerns
Give people opportunities to have their say on what your team’s objectives should be and how they should be achieved. Then they are more likely to have a sense of ownership and get involved. You’ll also get another perspective from people who know your customers really well – whether they are external or internal customers. And of course while listening is important you have to be willing to act on ideas too.
If you want to learn how to improve attitudes and behaviours, check out the Worth Working Summit 2013 hosted by engagement expert Jo Ann Sweeney.
The Worth Working Summit 2013 is a virtual event and runs 4-8 March. Listening in is easy and free!
Reserve your place at www.worthworkingsummit.com
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.