Photo Credit: wocintech chat
We all want to lead rather than follow, right? The truth is, being a leader is not easy, even if it might seem that way.
This role comes with an abundance of responsibility, and some people simply crack under pressure. A leader is someone who can inspire and motivate a team to produce the best results possible even when it seems that the whole world united against them.
Let’s take a look at some essential characteristics of successful leaders:
Let’s take a look at how you can motivate your team members to go above and beyond at all times.
How can you inspire someone if you don’t know them? In the times of war that’s entirely possible, because soldiers are already resolved to fight for their country, and you just need to give them one final push. In the office, the situation is completely different.
If you don’t have a personal relationship with your team they probably won’t see you as their leader, but as a person who’s ordering them around, and that’s never a good thing.
You can get to know your team by organizing team-building activities such as parties, trips, and barbeques. During those events, the people in your team will share their ideas and opinions, but they will also connect with you and other members of your staff on a much deeper, personal level all the while having fun, and fun is what connects people the most.
No one likes doing the same thing over and over again. Human beings are curious, and they like to learn. We never truly grow up, and we’re all always curious about new things.
Treat your employees like a caring mother or father. Be their mentor. Guide them through the things they don’t know how to do and explain everything to them without being condescending.
Help your team members overcome obstacles, but don’t do their work for them. Let them figure out the problem and reward your employees with corporate gift cards or vouchers that they can use to buy something they want or need.
Your team members will likely be more motivated and productive if they’re working in a stimulating and relaxed environment. Small office spaces are a big no-no. No one likes working in a cramped and aesthetically hideous place.
Ask your employees what they like and put posters of their favorite comic book or movie characters on the walls. Make them feel like they’re at home, and in time they’ll start seeing the office as their home away from home.
People like plants because they look great, but plants also have another benefit – they’re natural air purifiers. Clean and fresh air should not be underestimated. Your team’s mood and efficiency will go through the roof if they feel safe, happy and comfortable in their working environment. As they say, a happy worker is a productive worker.
Let’s be honest here, we all work because we need the money, and we all want to be as rich as Scrooge McDuck. Don’t ever try to underpay your team – that will send a wrong message. It will tell them that you don’t value their efforts and as a result, you’ll probably lose them.
Of course, you shouldn’t overpay them either. Instead, reward your team with group money bonuses when a job is well done and when they’ve exceeded both your and the clients’ expectations.
Spend some time with your employees, get to know them, and connect with them on a personal level. Reward them when they’re performing well, and talk to them if there are any potential problems. Teach them all you know and be their Yoda.
Main Image: WOCinTech
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