Top 5 Ways to Inspire Your Team

Yes, being a manager is a stressful job, but do you know who gets more stressed than you do? Your team! In a 2017 study from the Harvard Business Review (HBR), it showed that leaders were 30% less likely to feel stressed out compared to their team members. The factors that contributed to this phenomenon included a manager’s higher status within an organization as well as their greater sense of autonomy and job security compared to employees.

So, if you’re leading a team of your own, here’s what you can do to inspire your members without stressing them out:

Create a stable, transparent workplace.

Though there are some people who flourish in a chaotic, anything-goes type of work environment, they are often the exception and not the rule. For most employees, having a workplace where processes are clearly outlined and communications are openly shared gives them a sense of security about their jobs. When they feel secure, then they work harder and are more open to sharing their ideas.

Treat everyone fairly.

Some employees will perform better than others and it’s a human thing to have favorites, even if you try hard not to. This isn’t bad in itself, but when favoritism begins to affect your team dynamics, then you need to take a hard look at what you’re doing that’s marginalizing the other members. So, make sure everyone gets a fair listen during meetings as well as mentoring time with you. This will help prevent your employees from feeling anxious and unmotivated.

Recognize employee achievements.

This is perhaps the most basic thing you can do as a leader to motivate your team, but a 2017 HBR survey of over 7,000 people revealed that 37% of managers don’t give any positive feedback at all. That’s thousands of employees going unrecognized for their hard work! Giving feedback is one of the most effective ways to improve work performance, so don’t be stingy with it. Did a team member close a major deal? Praise them for it. Did they stay up late to finish paperwork? Thank them for their hard work. Remember that recognition isn’t just singling out the major wins. Taking time to note someone’s minor accomplishments also makes employees feel valued.

Show your competence.

You know what’s the easiest way to make an employee lose respect for you? By not working as hard as they do. Don’t think that just because you’ve made it to the top, you can simply enjoy the privileges without having to worry about the responsibilities. Show your team that you’ve got their backs and be ready to help out in any way you can. This builds trust and confidence in your abilities, and you get your team’s respect and loyalty in return.

Keep your promises.

Finally, it’s important for you to set an example for your people when it comes to making promises. Your team will expect you to honor the commitments you make; from something as simple as treating them out to dinner to something bigger like giving everyone a year-end bonus. When you follow through on your promises, your team will also be inspired to follow through on theirs, and that’s something your clients will particularly appreciate.

Now, are you ready to motivate your team?