How do you motivate people?

How do you motivate people who work under you to do a good job for you?

I have tried being their friend, being nice, etc. It isn't really working for me.

Our numbers keep slipping and I don't know what else to do...

Thanks in advance!!!!

Re: How do you motivate people?

For me, I show them what's interesting about their job, how it affects the bigger picture.

I pass on articles whether from a job-specific magazine or a newspaper regarding our filed even if they don't pertain to our workplace.

Training is a big plus.

Find out what interest they have & how it could relate to their job, etc.

For me it's not about being their friend. It's about fostering a career - and if they only want a job & not a career, it's keeping them interested in the job they have.

Re: How do you motivate people?

What field are you in?

Re: How do you motivate people?

Re: How do you motivate people?

Light a fire under their azzes

Re: How do you motivate people?

I find that giving a lot of good feedback on a regular basis helps a lot. I don't know if being their friend will help, right now I am managing a team of 3 and I like to let them know how important they are and how big a part of doing a great job for my client they are. I do have to give bad feedback on ocassion, and yeah, that stinks. But if I let them know how much I appreciate them, that seems to make them want to do better for me, and for themselves.

Also, I try to adapt my style for others, not everyone can work the same way that I can, so I have to make allowances for others personal styles.

Message edited 2/13/2008 3:59:37 PM.

Re: How do you motivate people?

Re: How do you motivate people?

Giving positive feedback
Showing how they play a role in the overall success of business and trying to make them feel invested in that
sharing the success with them