When a business owner thinks of how to motivate employees, the immediate thought is to give out monetary rewards. The impact of money can be short-lived for the employee, however, and come with limitations. If you are looking for a more potent, long-lasting motivator, take a look at what pride can accomplish. Building pride is something that all organizations should do their best to exploit, and then sit back and reap the benefits of having happy, conscientious employees. Though building pride is normally viewed as a talent that only a few people possess, it is actually a skill that can be developed once the fundamentals have been taught. When implemented correctly, pride building creates a sense of expectation that certain behavior will lead to desired results. When those results then lead to a successful outcome, there is a sense of pride over the current results, but there is also anticipation for positive future results, causing a repeating cycle.
Here are a few practices for leaders to consider that will instill pride in employees.
Let Employees Know Why They Are Important
All employees need to recognize how their job is important to the company, and why it is so important for them to shine in their roles. Make sure employees know that what they do, and how they do it, directly affects the company’s success, or lack of it. When an employee takes pride in what they do, they tend to exceed expectations and possess loyalty to the company, which will also positively influence morale as a whole.
Celebrate Often
Any victory or positive result, no matter how big or small, should be acknowledged and celebrated. Every step matters for all the little things, as well as, the major achievements. A win's a win, and each win is another reason for employees to be proud of their contributions to achieving that win.
Provide Feedback and Offer Ongoing Support
Offer feedback on an employee’s quality of work, and in a constructive approach, cite areas for improvement. Make sure the employee knows that support and counseling will be provided to them to assist with the process if needed, and do not be afraid to give pep talks when needed. Be sure to offer training for those employees who lack the skills needed to produce high-quality work. When abilities are developed, the quality of work will ultimately increase. To instill a true sense of accomplishment, compliment and reward high-quality performance.
Invest in your employees. Take advantage of services that are offered by companies such as Advanced Funds Network that assist businesses by providing the funds needed for a business to grow.
Stay in Touch with the Employees
Meet with the employees often; do not known as just a shadow behind an executive door. Talk with employees about successes and failures, and their impact on large-scale strategies. Discuss with employees how their performance directly affects the performance of the company.
Give More Responsibility
When you expand an employee’s role, a sense of engagement is fostered. New responsibilities bring challenges for the employee and expands their current skill set. The progression will provide that employee with even more opportunity to conceive a sense of pride.
Delegate leadership roles where you can. Though not every employee can be a supervisor or manager, there is a way for all employees to take the lead at one time or another. Building leadership skills in others is an important practice, and allows employees to capitalize on various opportunities.
Be a Problem Solver
If something, or someone, is hindering an employee’s pride, immediately take the necessary steps to remedy the situation. Do not ignore problems and hope they will simply resolve on their own. Be proactive and solve the problems that are causing negativity for employees. Unaddressed issues will only escalate and have a negative effect on morale.
Nurturing Business, Cultivating Hope
