In the current economic atmosphere, you may be wondering if you’ll
have a job next week. Add to that downsizing and being asked to do more with
less and you may be in a bit of a slump. You and your colleagues may feel
unmotivated and unproductive, but there are things you can do to boost morale
in your workplace, even if you’re not in management.
Try these techniques
to bring more motivation to your workplace:
1.
Get to know your colleagues. Perhaps you don’t
really know your co-workers! Do you know them on a personal level or just as
professionals? When you make an effort to learn more about them, you may
discover what motivates them. It also makes them feel valued.
- Recognize
your colleagues’ birthdays. Birthday cake always lightens the mood!
The employees in your office will be glad that you care enough about them
to recognize their special day. It also gives everyone a reason to gather
and talk about something besides work.
- Ask about their personal lives. Are they married? Do they have children? What are their hobbies? Of course, you want to do this conversationally, in the context of whatever is being discussed – don’t make it seem like you are interviewing them or it may be seen as prying. These types of questions help you get to know them as individuals.
2.
Recognize personal and professional accomplishments. You
might be surprised how a co-worker is motivated when they know their team acknowledges
and rewards the work they’ve done.
- Recognize
them publicly. Make a point of recognizing and thanking someone
who has helped you out in front of others.
This might be at a formal team meeting, or a more informal
gathering in the lunch room.
- Write them a personal thank you note recognizing their contribution if they’ve helped you or another team member out. Even if it’s just “doing their job,” people appreciate when the work they do is noticed and valued.
3.
Organize a team lunch. You don’t have to leave
the office if time is short; instead, order pizza or have a potluck every so
often. They’ll be able to relax and enjoy their work environment more when
given a chance to socialize.
4.
Participate.
Be an active part of your work
team. Pitch in and help others, offer
your input and opinions, make suggestions on ways to improve your work
environment. When others see you
actively participating, they will be more likely to do so as well, which builds
a stronger, more supportive team.
5.
Focus on the
positive. Your attitude makes a big difference in how you perceive what’s
happening around you, and this is no less true at work.
- Solutions, not problems. When you notice there is a problem in your workplace, start thinking about how it can be made better. Talk it over with your team members and get their input. When you solve a problem as a team, it will improve how everyone feels.
- Refrain from complaining as a way of socializing with your co-workers. We frequently use complaining as a way to connect with others. This is not helpful (i.e. doesn’t solve the problem) and makes us all feel bad. Find other things you have in common with your team members, and talk about those things when socializing. If a co-worker insists on complaining, change the subject or leave the conversation.
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