A Motivator Must Be Motivated to Motivate

In today’s uncertain economic environment success in business depends largely on motivated employees inspired to use their expertise and talents to their full potential. In spite of the many theories relating to the subject of “Motivation,” the fact is what may work for one individual may not even slightly impact another. The magic formula has not been found, but one thing is certain – it must begin at the top! You can’t expect employees to motivate management. However, some executives don’t seem to realize the important role they should play in helping inspire their staff.  

Management is the most powerful factor in employee motivation. A grudging hello can ruin a co-worker’s day while just a smile can set the tone for an entire organization. However, beyond the smile there should be interaction to learn more about what motivates people to make a more positive contribution. In doing so everyone benefits and motivators gain the satisfaction of being high on the respect ladder.  

Feeling valued by their supervisor in the workplace is key to high employee motivation and morale. It ranks right up there for most people with liking the work, competitive pay, as well as opportunities for training and advancement. Whatever their personal reasons for working, the bottom line is, employees want to be valued for a job well done by those they hold in high esteem. 

To be a motivated motivator it is both challenging and rewarding. All it really requires is that one pay particular attention every day to the meaningful aspects of management’s impact on life at work. In a growing technological era people are still the most valuable asset of any firm and when recognized as such their contribution will be greatly enhanced.

Workplace Humor

With the significant increase of “stress-related-issues” organizations are increasingly looking for ways to keep employees happy and productive. Some firms are apt to discourage laughter in the workplace, seeing it as a distraction from getting the job done.

This mind-set is reinforced by the attitude that many were raised with: “Work isn’t supposed to be fun.” However, managers are learning that stress is not only harmfully impacting morale but also productivity. Employees in a humorless environment can negatively affect the profit and loss of a company.

In situations where we have little control over economic circumstances, much depends on how we react to them. Being able to laugh about our situation and ourselves helps us release tension, regain our perspective, and accept that which we cannot change.

In order to cope people can either choose to laugh or be depressed. Most organizations are full of very funny and quick-witted people who just need to be given permission and encouragement to use their sense of humor on the job. As more and more firms choose to “lighten up” and realize the benefits of workplace wellness it not only results in more productivity, but also increases bonding with the rest of the team.