LEADERSHIP TIPS TO MAINTAIN ENGAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION

Company figures are steadily rising with customer satisfaction at its prime. Your team of employees is comprised of the most qualified and diligent personnel in the field. Inspiring and acknowledging skilled workers is key for employee achievement and retention. Hiring competent workers is the start for business success, yet keeping a strong team of qualified employees requires sharp leadership skills and efforts.

TIPS FOR LEADERS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & MOTIVATION

1. Trust your employee’s creativity, skills, and work potential.

Leaders can welcome such skills by allowing flexibility and employee input in the workplace. Some examples include independent projects, input in company meetings, and allocating individual & team assignments.

2. Make tasks enjoyable.

Motivating employees in conducting tedious tasks can be challenging, but effective leaders can turn around mundane assignments into meaningful work. A leader’s attitude can shift employee perspective, and encourage a positive attitude in accomplishing daily tasks. 

3. Recognize employee diligence and work efforts.

Employee recognition programs and certifications are great ways of highlighting accomplishments and work performance. Other examples include verbal or written affirmations acknowledging the individual’s achievements and contributions to the company.

4. Provide an ethical work environment.

In today’s society most of our waking hours is occupied with work-related activities. Individuals in managerial positions can establish an ethical and respectful work setting for staff members. Leaders should also be prompt in addressing employee complaints and related issues concerning the work place. 

5. Allow for professional growth and job promotions.

The ability to advance in the corporate ladder is a great motivator for focused and dedicated employees. Assisting employees in goal setting stimulates work performance, encouraging achievements and professional growth.

6. Connect with employees throughout the year.

Holiday parties, events, company dinners, award ceremonies, and other special events are ways of associating with employees outside the work environment. Placing value in such events conveys a message of work cohesiveness, and invested leaders who care to connect with their employees.

7. Provide company incentives.

Incentives such as PTO, continuing education, bonuses, gift cards, holidays & sick days, annual review, employee-recognition programs, and employee raffles are company strategies that inspire employee motivation and longevity.

8. Be fair and compensate accordingly.

Companies can motivate workers by recompensing work-related necessities. For instance, if an employee is responsible for frequent presentations and work meetings, in addition to hourly pay the company can provide supplies needed and compensate for commute time. Work-related necessities vary depending on the line of business. Some examples include electronic devices, uniforms, special equipment, travel expenses, and others.

FIVE Q & A’S TO DETERMINE WHAT JOB FIT’S YOU BEST!

With so many job opportunities available, it’s crucial to determine which positions best fit your lifestyle and personality. Here is a fun Q & A to to assist in defining which employment options are worth the time and pursuit. Taking a few minutes to think about your career decisions is a worthwhile investment.

Question #1: Do you prefer routines and schedules, or does spontaneity and excitement fuel your day?

Answer: If you prefer routine or a fixed schedule, then you may want to pursue employment options that offer a determined shift such as banking, sales, and various administrative positions.

If change and variety bring a sense of career satisfaction, there are many flexibility and creativity jobs you to engage. Unpredictable circumstances are encountered frequently, especially in the medical field and in the realm of education. These career choices are great choices for individuals that enjoy freedom and change. 

Question #2: What do you find more valuable, the rate of pay or company incentives?

Answer: If there’s greater value in the hourly rate, then a high paying position may appear to be the best choice. This option may not always be in your best interest. Let’s suppose company A has an offer for a full-time position with an earning of 60,000/year. On the other hand, company B makes an offer for 50,000/year including health benefits, a company vehicle, travel expenses, and periodic performance bonuses. Although company A’s offer may seem more appealing upfront, less expenses are paid out-of-pocket and more benefits are gained with company B’s offer. It’s a good tactic to define benefits and compensations before basing your decision solely on annual income.

Question #3: Is your schedule flexible or do you have fixed days/hours of availability?

Answer: A job offer may be attractive and well paying, yet the hours of work may not suit your schedule. Take time to analyze your availability and the hours that you can commit to working.  For some individuals the evening shift is ideal, while for others working twelve hour shifts three times a week works best. The key is to examine your lifestyle, preferences, and availability. There are many employers that offer up to four and five shifts, that accommodate to their employees schedule. Research the company and learn their work schedules, shifts, and hours of operation. This will help you determine if this job best suits your current employment needs.

Question #4: Are you extroverted and social, or introverted and reserved?

Answer: If you are a people person, getting an office job or working in the pharmaceutical lab may not be the best choice regardless of pay. At first the pay may be very appealing, yet it’s important to realistically envision yourself satisfied in the job role. Introverted or reserved individuals may not feel comfortable in a very social setting like marketing and sales. Being in such positions may create anxiety or frustration for job seekers that prefer some quietness and less social interactions. Office jobs, clerical work, and writing positions may better fit these personalities.

Question #5: Does the job opportunity enhance or contribute to future career goals?

Answers: Although some employment positions are on a temporary basis, it’s best to select occupations that contribute to your career goals. For example, your career path is in business management and there are two potential job offers that catch your interest. There’s an opportunity as a Sales Manager, or another offer as a Telemarketer. Both companies pay fairly the same, but the telemarketing position is more layback and closer to home. Although the telemarketing position may seem more beneficial, in the long run the experience as a Sales Manager will be of greater value on your resume when pursuing business management.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR NEW GRADUATES

You invested numerous years studying the profession of your dreams and the time has arrived to launch your career. Seeking work in today’s competitive job market can be intimidating for new professional graduates. Your resume can be striking, yet presenting confidence when interviewing speaks volumes. Displaying self-assurance when seeking employment increases the likelihood of others confiding in your potential. Trust your individual skills and qualifications, building confidence on positive attributes you have to share with others.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING STRATEGIES FOR NEW GRADUATES:

1. List your qualifications, skills, and potential. Make a list of all the skills you posses that match the job description, and emphasize on these skills during your interview.  Highlighting potential abilities is also important as it shows desire for career growth and personal development.

2. Have assurance in your abilities. All the necessary educational requirements, training, research, and/or testing has been completed. Rather than focusing on the lack of work experience, concentrate on personal accomplishments that have lead you to this point. There is much you can share in your professional field!

3. Take this time as a learning experience. Transitioning from being a student to a professional can be nerve-wracking. It’s a time period of new roles, expectations, and responsibilities. Starting a career requires patience and self-acceptance, understanding experience comes with time and practice.

4. Request feedback from hiring managers after each interview. Receiving negative feedback is no fun, but sometimes necessary. Feedback allows for introspection and also helps build interviewing skills.