So what is then that motivates?

[garthu]

So recently discussed, performance contracts, whilst necessary, don't motivate. They are just a method of control more than anything else.

One thing i have noticed is money seldom motivates. Funny as it sounds people will often do a better level of work for a certificate than they will money. Personally it's money however on one occasion as a motivator, i offered a leather chair to the best performer of the month. This worked a treat! Everyone fought for the right to have the use a of exec chair for the month. Even putting 20K on the table wouldn't have had as good effect.

Feel free to pass some suggestions on... ! I'm also keen to know what it is that motivates -(although i know it is often very personal to an individual) but there must be some good broad spectrum ideas

[Dave A]

Taking the time to listen.
A hearty greeting each morning.
Recognition of achievements - congratulations on a job well done.
Including staff in planning and goal setting.

As you said - it's personal.

Get personal.

[Upstairs]

I cannot agree more. People need acknowledgement.

[Debbiedle]

An occassional cake and some coffee
Time off
Recognition, recognition, recognition

[Graeme]

As I think I have mentioned in the past - what it is about in the end is raising the employee's level of self-esteem; the "recognition" that Debbie writes about. Good leaders throughout the past centuries have understood this. Works with groups as well as individuals.

[Dave A]

So how do you inject this into a system that lives on bureaucratic red tape?

[garthu]

Acknowledgment works, no doubt... Also watch out for systems, we had a very simple "hurdle" recently created, to do with bank loans etc. Agents just quit performing and i was really battling to get them up again. It turns out that this little "hurdle" in there opinion created an enviro where it was simply not worth creating business if they had to go through this. Turned around overnight by my assuring that regardless of how, I would ensure the paper work went straight to the top. (a big ask for various reasons) Everyone back into production, overnight! They didn't even know they were being effected by it so nevere communicated it to me

bureaucratic red tape

- I assume you referring to government type agency etc. I don't think its just about acknowledgment and how to, why is there any need for that when there is no accountability. "Leaders" don't need to motivate there staff as they are not accountable. Make them accountable, we will start to get good leaders that will motivate by general good leadership.

[Dave A]

I'm definitely thinking of government type setups. They've become so procedure driven, ostensibly because this is supposed to ensure performance, but the proof is in the pudding and it's not tasting so good.

[Graeme]

All government employees report to someone. It is (or certainly should be) part of the supervisor's job to see that they are working honestly and competently, and if they are, to make it plain that is what is wanted and to raise their self-esteem a little. The real problems are with those who do not or will not respond and are unable to be disciplined because of labour law restrictions. Always worked well for me, although I would hate to be a supervisor in today's labour environment.

[totius54]

Active supervision . Setting a sens of urgency . Lead by example . Pat on the back low enough and hard enough . Remove negative influences ( people ) .

[Marq]

Remove negative influences ( people ) .

I am all for automation - it does wonders for motivation.

[tec0]

Motivation? I think companies are stupid when it comes to Motivation.

However let us say that if you perform this year then we will send you for training for free! Thus you get Training, Certification and are eligible for promotion AKA “More Money”. Now that is Motivation!

And the most stupid thing of all it is tax deductible for the company offering it! So... Give that a thought when you think Motivation.

[Chatmaster]

IMO, a key factor when it comes to motivation has to be the different leadership styles. I personally believe that leadership plays a key role in motivating teams.

Further motivation is supposed to be a daily occurrence. A culture of friendliness, respect, intellectual freedom and acceptance are crucial to motivating people.

As an example of how it should not be done, Government are using a century old method of evaluating people for their annual increases, whereby employees have to motivate why they should get ?% annual increase. The way it is conducted de-motivates them instead. This is typical as there are genuine lack of leadership.

A further problem that are demotivating people are issues like:

• Unclear goals
• Lack of structure
• Poor communication
• Undefined roles

There are more reasons, but at the end of the day it all comes down to poor management and leadership skills.

Money certainly are number 4 or 5 on every person's list of motivators, although most will deny it as they believe money is their main motivator.

[tec0]

I don’t believe in management systems. I think it is a waste of time. But I do belief that Training is a good motivator and I will stand by this statement.

[Debbiedle]

Pat on the back low enough and hard enough

+ GO Tec0 anyone advocating training is my bestest friend!

Very interesting research on different motivation for different generations but right now, I plan to watch SA beat the next team on their way to the 20twenty world cup...so it will have to wait!