Motivating the Reputation-Driven Employee
A good number of workers are motivated, at least in part, by external approval and
reputation. Most people are concerned with how others view them, and positive attention
and accolades can go a long way in inspiring these folks to do their best work. Incorporating
feedback and appreciation for a job well done is an important piece of your overall
motivation strategy.
At the core of external motivation is attention. Workers driven by reputation tend
to be dependent on receiving attention. Often, if they are unable to earn it in a
positive manner, they will become disillusioned and unproductive, and may even act
out in an attempt to garner any attention -- even negative. As a business owner,
it is important to remember that your employees are the key to your long-term success,
so any and all efforts that produce positive results should be acknowledged.
To keep reputation-driven workers motivated, it is necessary to provide individual
attention and acknowledgement. Successful entrepreneurs make a point of including
these factors into the overall culture. Making your support staff feel valued should
be a given. Make a point of publicly acknowledging good work but privately dealing
with criticism or poor performance. Provide clear guidelines of expectations for
every employee and offer frequent, honest feedback of the work being done. Consider
implementing recognition programs (employee of the month) or giving awards for specific
accomplishments. Be sure the recognition is actually meaningful -- don't just rotate
the awards through the staff to be "fair" -- or they will have no value to the recipients.
Incorporating appreciation systems into your company culture is necessary and will
pay off in spades. Not only will reputation-driven employees thrive, but the entire
staff will feel appreciated and needed. A staff that is treated well will be loyal
in return.
Read more about motivating your small business’s employees...
About the Author
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