David Olson is the President and Co-Founder of Recognition Pro and answers this month's question.
Keeping our dealership employees engaged isn't always easy. Any suggestions to help us?
Today's employees may not need a pay raise as much as they do a personal thanks for a job well done from their manager. Here are a list of Dr. Bob Nelson's Top Employee Motivators and De-motivators.
The Top Ten Employee Motivators
#1 Personally thank employees for doing a good job--one on one, in writing, or both. Do it timely, often and sincerely.
#2 Be willing to take the time to meet with and listen to employees--as much as they need or want.
#3 Provide specific feedback about performance of the person, the department and the organization.
#4 Strive to create a work environment that is open, trusting and fun. Encourage new ideas and initiative.
#5 Provide information on how the company makes and loses money, upcoming products and strategies for competing in the marketplace, and how the person fits into the overall plan.
#6 Involve employees in decisions, especially as those decisions affect them.
#7 Provide employees with a sense of ownership in their work and the work environment.
#8 Recognize, reward and promote people based on their performance; deal with low and marginal performers so that they improve or leave.
#9 Give people a chance to grow and learn new skills; show them how you can help them meet their goals within the context of meeting the organization's goals. Create a partnership with each employee.
#10 Celebrate successes--of the company, of the department and of individuals in it. Take time for team- and morale-building meetings and activities.
The Top Ten Employee De-motivators
#1 Organizational Politics - An environment in which the competition for power, influence, resources and promotions is based on subjective or hidden criteria.
#2 Unclear Expectations - Employees need to understand what to expect from a recognition program. What are their roles and responsibilities?
#3 Unnecessary Rules - Keep programs simple. Too many rules mean too much bureaucracy.
#4 Poorly Designed Work - Poorly engineered work gets in the way of satisfying internal and external customers and frustrates employees.
#5 Unproductive Meetings - Employees often leave meetings exhausted, battered and bored.
#6 Internal Competition -The healthiest organizations compete against their competition, not against themselves.
#7 Lack of Follow Up - Promise only what can be delivered. Deliver on all promises.
#8 Constant Change - Changing the rules of the game is demotivating. If they do change, make them better adding new opportunities. If change is necessary or the bar needs to be raised, consult with your employees.
#9 Dishonesty - Employees hate being lied to
#10 Hypocrisy - Do not say one thing and then do another. Be consistent.
This article originally appeared on the RecognitionPro Blog.
David Olson is the President and Co-Founder of Recognition Pro, and along with his partner Dr. Bob Nelson they help companies improve employee engagement and morale. The company is based in Allentown, PA and can be reached at 800-537-4385. http://www.recognitionpro.com/The Article Ask The Expert appeared first on Automotive Digest.