I didn't think I had a problem communicating or managing employees, but now I need to motivate them. I feel like I don't communicate well enough to reach or motivate anyone. I'm sort of hands-off and expect everyone to know what they're doing.

I've been reading "What does everyone else know that I don't" and it's wonderful - but would love to hear suggestions from other managers.

Praise them!

I know it sounds simple - but it really is. Most people don't notice others when they're doing well. Most people are noticed for the bad work they do.

Really take notice for the hard work they do, but don't just be general about it - be specific.
Example: "Tom, you did an excellent job writing up that summary today. It was clear and exactly what was needed. Thank you!"

People like getting "happy grams" - write a note telling her what she did well.

With my staff, I buy them breakfast once in a while, make sure to praise them in front of the main supervisor and use the 4:1 rule.

The 4:1 rule: for every criticism I give out to a person, I should praise that person 4 times.

Talk to them individually, in private, on a regular basis.

Just to "see how they are doing" and to "stay in touch", etc. They can be short ten to fifteen minute meetings.

If you do this on a regular basis (outside of performance reviews) it can really help. But let them know in advance that its just to improve communication and not related to performance issues.

If you combine this with regular team or departmental meetings (group meetings) you will have a good foundation for motivation.

This is great advice, thanks because I can use it too! It's hard for me to motivate and train in large part because the ones I am working with are more methodical and I just want them to "get it" and move on. I really need to get my assistant motivated to start learning more of the job and to take on more responsibility. She's not "hungry" so it's up to me to get her going because I really need her to start helping. I am going to spend some time trying out the above to see how it works. Thanks for the question and answers!

With my staff, I buy them breakfast once in a while, make sure to praise them in front of the main supervisor and use the 4:1 rule.

The 4:1 rule: for every criticism I give out to a person, I should praise that person 4 times.

Need an assistant?? :)

and to reply to vanreal who wrote:

"I really need to get my assistant motivated to start learning more of the job and to take on more responsibility. She's not "hungry" so it's up to me to get her going because I really need her to start helping. I am going to spend some time trying out the above to see how it works. "

You know she may just be completely tuned out, from years of general indifference or an old fashioned idea about office relations. Take her to lunch! find out what's going on. Your genuine interest will mean a lot.

Praise them!

I know it sounds simple - but it really is. Most people don't notice others when they're doing well. Most people are noticed for the bad work they do.

Really take notice for the hard work they do, but don't just be general about it - be specific.
Example: "Tom, you did an excellent job writing up that summary today. It was clear and exactly what was needed. Thank you!"

People like getting "happy grams" - write a note telling her what she did well.

With my staff, I buy them breakfast once in a while, make sure to praise them in front of the main supervisor and use the 4:1 rule.

The 4:1 rule: for every criticism I give out to a person, I should praise that person 4 times.


Great Advice, Chaos!!......and I can personally vouch for your theory.

Short story.....when I began to work as a manager at a new location, the very first day I walked through the area, I smiled and said "Good Morning!" to everyone I came in contact with.....This wasn't a new tactic, it was just my standard approach. I'm a friendly person.

Once everyone got to know me after a couple of weeks, many of them told me "I didn't know how to take you at first"......I was pretty confused and said "Why is that?"..........they'd answer back "Because most of the managers we've ever worked for didn't even acknowledge us except to criticize or reprimand us"...

That blew me away. Something as simple as smiling and saying hello made all the difference in the world. They looked forward to working with me and would do everything I asked them because I treated them like humans.

It really works.......try it. I'm not saying be a pushover, but treat them with respect and you'll get a motivated employee in return!

... because the ones I am working with are more methodical and I just want them to "get it" and move on. ..

Thanks everyone! VanReal's comment nails it right on target for me.

On one hand, I think I do praise everyone ... but on the other hand, I EXPECT good work.

I am almost 50, but diagnosed less than a year ago. I've had to work extra hard and be super conscientious. So, I don't like slackers. I'm fine if someone tries but makes mistakes - it's the ones who do their work half-***** that get me mad.

It doesn't help that I've never had kids ... I try, but I know I'm not good with remembering to praise the small accomplishments.

Need an assistant?? :)


are you highly organized?! :D

I wish I could have an assistant! I just had a performance review, and did well, but my goal for the next year is to work on my paperwork organization.

I'm not "highly organised" conventionally speaking but i get things done.
hmmm you probably also should hire someone who spends a little less time on the internet at work!

one thing that's hard for me is setting a good example.

my productivity is just so low that I don't feel I set a good example.

Praise them!

I know it sounds simple - but it really is. Most people don't notice others when they're doing well. Most people are noticed for the bad work they do.

Really take notice for the hard work they do, but don't just be general about it - be specific.
Example: "Tom, you did an excellent job writing up that summary today. It was clear and exactly what was needed. Thank you!"

People like getting "happy grams" - write a note telling her what she did well.

With my staff, I buy them breakfast once in a while, make sure to praise them in front of the main supervisor and use the 4:1 rule.

The 4:1 rule: for every criticism I give out to a person, I should praise that person 4 times.


YES !!

I agree that is the most awesome way to manage. My manager never rarely gives me any praise and it really unmotivates me. I strive to do a task really well and I do but all the manager can point out is one thing that I did wrong or missed and that just sets me off in a negative note and then I feel like crap for most of the day.

Our previous manager was not a very good manager at all her management skills sucked put I liked her and why... because one day she came down to me and said "hey you are doing great now I like the way you have improved as you have come a long way" that made me feel great and want to do things for her. Despite the fact that everyone else baged her and hated her because she was young and hopless, I liked her because she gave me an indication that I was doing great.

I myelf praise my co workers, I thank them for their help at the end of the shift and Im sure it makes them feel great, I do it cos I know if someone said that to me it would make my day:)

It's just so simple! why don't people do this more often? 30 seconds of a manager's time can make the whole staff more productive.

It's just so simple! why don't people do this more often? 30 seconds of a manager's time can make the whole staff more productive.


Right on, Stef........heck, I'll even take this to the most primal level. Dog trainers have learned over the years that positive reinforcement is the best way to get a dog to learn......they learn faster, are much happier, and are eager to please their masters because they know good things will happen.

We aren't any different in that respect, because we all want to know that we're valued, appreciated, and we do tend to respond positively to the smallest acknowledgment.

(I overheard my dogs talking the other day, saying "Hey, the owner learned a new trick today.....I taught him to give me a biscuit every time I give him my paw!")