Motivating In Difficult Times

A pay freeze or even a pay cut is not unusual in tough economic times.  Given this situation it might seem that it is impossible to motivate people.

Yet study after study tells us that money alone is rarely a motivator in the long term.  So what are the alternatives:

  1. Praise people regularly
  2. Say thank you when people have gone out of their way to deliver
  3. Keep people informed through regular communication
  4. Give people challenging and rewarding work

What else would you suggest?

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.

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5 comments
Joan Henshaw says 13 May 2009

I’d also suggest keeping a focus on personal development – providing coaching, mentoring, skills development opportunities e.g. leading projects, undertaking delegated tasks. All too easy to put this on the back burner during ‘challenging’ times!

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