20 secrets to keep your team motivated

Motivation is an art. We can apply a rule of thumb, the motivation is to show appreciation and give rewards to the team, but beware! Each incentive works differently for different people.

1. Always start with yourself. To motivate others, you must be motivated in all situations. If you can show your positive strength as a leader, your team will have confidence in you.

2. Always share the information you have about the project, the team must know the project, the circumstances and limitations. This can also lead the team to take initiative to make suggestions on ways to improve the project.

3. For any problem related to the project, the team is the best resource. You can take advantage of this opportunity and encourage people to share problems with the team. Encourage participation to find ideas and alternative ways to solve the problem. Once they feel that the leader is also part of the team, it is easier for team members to face the challenges of the project.

4. Discipline is important, but you must strive to maintain a friendly environment. People often work better if they don’t feel the breath from their head on the back of their neck. Deadlines and commitments can be challenging, but the team would be proud to rise to the challenge of achieving them.

5. Projects are divided into phases, a good project manager encourages his team to pinpoint project milestones, and a special celebration can usually be arranged when milestones are reached on time. Plan the work in advance so that there are no last-minute problems.

6. You should always show appreciation to your team members, even small tasks should be completed with at least a THANK YOU; your associates can do more to seek that future recognition. To communicate, be humble, choose your words carefully; use ‘we’ more than ‘me’.

7. Give positive feedback; mention of the successes, deficiencies and how the team can do better. Be part of the team: You should take responsibility for a failure and always complete feedback on a positive note.

8. Go to dinner with team members, talk about trivial topics including some work related and enjoy time together. A free meal and time well spent for the team can go a long way in motivating them as well as building a relationship and bond.

9. Listen to partners; give them time. You can get fresh ideas that will help improve the policy and benefit the project.

10. When a team member exposes you to a problem, take it positively, analyze and try to find a better solution so that the member returns to work with enthusiasm. This is earning respect with actions and not with words.

11. Not everyone can do all the work. As a leader, it’s up to you to choose the right person for the right job.

12. Eating together is a relationship builder, having light meals or snacks at the computer desk when someone brings up a work related topic. Basically, it will kill two birds with one stone.

13. Allow team creativity. Your team’s productivity will increase if you give them a day to try out new ideas, as long as they have something to do with the project the team is concerned about.

14. Consider having fun and humor at work. There may be some free time in a board game or something similar, it can make the team members enjoy the competition. This will help them feel comfortable, take on more responsibility, and share ideas freely.

15. When ideas and comments are shared, usually the more introverted members tend to stay behind. Give these people a chance to come and talk, listen carefully, and evaluate ideas on their merits. Be sure not to discourage participation.

16. During a discussion, if there is a point that needs to be clarified, find the time and be sure to make the necessary clarifications. Misunderstandings can lead to big mistakes, and these can be detrimental to your team spirit. Try to avoid conflicts and resolve situations before they can harm the team or people’s morale.

17. Brainstorming sessions are important. These sessions, well conducted, can produce great ideas, as well as show employees that they are taken into account.

18. Break the project into parts so you can give collaborators achievable goals. This will give them the freedom to do things their own way, allowing them to gain confidence to do their best work.

19. It is important to show benefits for the team. There may be economic packages and other benefits such as medical plans, vacations or something similar that will keep them motivated.

20. Last but not least, consider Maslow’s pyramid of needs. Not everyone has the same motivations and needs. While a certain incentive to work may work for one team member and may not necessarily motivate others. Therefore, it is important that you get to know the members of his team well. A hierarchy of needs program can help you calculate the best motivation and incentive for members.