As a business advisor, I have encountered many managers struggling with employee motivation, especially when it comes to the millennial generation and their preferences. The traditional carrot and stick approach is no longer effective in today’s workplace.
Peter Drucker’s quote, “We know nothing about motivation – all we can do is write books about it,” resonates more than ever.
The key to motivating employees, especially millennials, lies in understanding their personal motivations. What drives them to show up to work every day? Is it the opportunity to learn and grow, or the belief in the company’s purpose?
Tailoring tasks to align with individual motivations is crucial for engagement and productivity.
Furthermore, leaders must lead by example. Often, a lack of motivation in employees is a reflection of a lack of motivation in management. Transparency, trust, and authenticity are key components in fostering a motivated workforce. By delegating challenging tasks and openly sharing goals and ambitions, leaders can build trust and authenticity within their teams.
To effectively implement these strategies, I recommend conducting 360-degree feedback meetings and one-on-one sessions with employees. This allows for a deeper understanding of individual motivations and provides a platform for leaders to share their own motivations authentically. By creating a culture of trust and authenticity, businesses can better motivate their employees and drive success.
If we can help you further in motivating your employees, please reach out: paul@thebusinesstherapist.com
