Skip the vinegar and lay on the honey!

A BRIEF questionnaire:

Do you try to understand your employees?

Do you pay attention to their problems?

Do you give credit when a project is well executed?

Does the management offer any benefits to the employees?

If your answer is yes to these questions, you've got what it takes to be a dynamic manager heading a self-motivated team! You must be taking time out to motivate employees, inspiring them to aim for perfection and improve their career. But if your answers are in the negative, it is time to sit up and review your management style.

Employees' expectations have undergone a radical change in the past few years. They are no longer content with mere financial rewards. They want recognition. Motivation is the most powerful tool in management. It is therefore a manager's responsibility to come up with new strategies to inspire and retain.

What's in it for everyone?

Employees react positively when motivated. Productivity increases, work atmosphere is energised, confidence levels shoot up, mistakes decrease and employee loyalty is enhanced. Motivation serves a dual purpose- to the employee and to the organisation. It helps to break the vicious cycle of `hire and fire' - thereby minimising the organisational recruitment costs. Reason enough for IT managers to perfect the skill of motivation.

A long-term benefit

The stress and strain of the work place usually overshadows the minor victories and accomplishments. Often, only errors and mistakes get highlighted and criticism overshadows praise. So hit pause and pay sincere attention to employees and praise every good effort.

An eternal connection

Problems and tough situations are a part and parcel of the IT industry. It is the manager's duty to stand by his team during hard times He has to guide the team, motivate them and keep their spirits up. This unfortunately does not come easy. Managers need to work on building an enduring relationship with employees. Here's an interesting finding - the prime reason for employees quitting is not poor remuneration, but poor working conditions. So improve the working atmosphere and see tangible results!

Hand out goodies

Nothing works like a reward. It is indeed a miracle what a simple token of appreciation can do. Adopt a reward system to recognise hard work and success. A gift voucher, dinner for two, a movie ticket, or a simple t-shirt definitely sends across a positive message. The gifts could be simple and inexpensive but acknowledge employees' efforts.

Chart the course

Understanding their goals can also motivate employees. Get to know your employees and help them fulfil their career aspirations. This in turn will help the organisation to grow. So provide them with training facilities, help them map their career roadmap and watch their productivity increase.

A motivated team is an ace up your sleeve. You need it to win!

SHALINI KABRA

shalinik.hyd@cnkonline.com