7 Ways to Motivate Employees

Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it." A motivated employee is a more productive employee and a more valuable asset to any company. Motivation can wane from time to time, but it's easy to help your employees stay positive and focused with a few simple steps.

1. Create a positive environment where employees feel worthwhile and important. Don't play favorites. Keep the doors open, literally, to encourage effective communication.

2. Help your employees lay out an advancement plan that is right for them.  Help them see what could be theirs down the road and they will strive to get there.

3. Provide training and refresher courses or workshops. This will help improve job performance and teach new skills as well as re-ignite that "first day on the job" enthusiasm

4. Have some fun! After a big project is completed or the company meets a sales goal, throw an office party to say "thank you" for all the hard work. Even better, let them go a couple hours early on a beautiful day. 

5. Take the time to recognize a job well done. Be generous with praise.

6. Match the person to the job. Look at employees' individual strengths and put them in positions that will bring out those strengths. This will give them confidence, and they will be more willing to tackle projects with excitement knowing that they will be successful.

7. Every once in a while an employee may need some motivation, a pep talk, a pat on the back, or 10 minutes of quiet time to help them keep pushing on through a project. This will be especially essential if the company is downsizing, changing management or selling.