If you’ve ever asked your team how they could increase productivity, I’m willing to bet they’ve told you they need more resources. For example: more human resources, better tools, clearer roles, more efficient processes, etc. And I think those things could really help them.
In my management experience, I have discovered that there are other elements that can increase the team’s productivity, without extravagant or exorbitant means.
Have you noticed that when you have energy you are more efficient?
More energy allows you to:
- See more clearly;
- Make better decisions;
- Juggling all aspects of the job better overall.
Energy levels and productivity are closely linked.
As a leader, there is a part where you can act on the energy of others, and this medium will also give you energy. Win-win, right?
I offer you two tips that will have a positive impact on productivity, because with more energy, individuals will increase their personal contribution.
Don’t take my word for it, just test them.
Tip #1 Recognize the contribution
Here I am not talking about extrinsic recognition (salary, bonuses, etc.), I am talking about intrinsic recognition. In other words, something that makes the person have a good memory, a feeling rather than a material.
Simple and free examples:
- Say: Thank you – or the elaborate version: Thank you for your contribution to the team.
- Say: Bravo – or the more elaborate version: Bravo for finding the solution to the problem.
Simple examples on a budget:
- A signed card from the team to mark a special event.
- Tickets to go to a sports match.
The trap to avoid:
Saying “Thank you” and “Bravo” when it is not felt, or congratulations to everyone that the work was not up to the task. Take it for granted that no one likes to do a bad job, and more importantly, get praised for it.
Tip #2 Make People Feel Important
Often for the employee, the most important person is his or her manager. Here’s how her manager can make her feel so important.
Simple and free examples:
- Say: Hello (looking the person in the eye)
- Ask the person to explain something they did that was successful, for example, an idea they had that made a difference. Take 5 minutes to listen.
Simple examples on a budget:
- Lunch with the boss.
- A thank you note from the boss and/or the customer (even more powerful!)
The trap to avoid:
Not considering individuality, such as saying hello to everyone at the same time.
Recognition is your most powerful management tool.
You will increase the energy level AND satisfaction of your employees. This will increase productivity.
In addition, a positive atmosphere will generate a better work environment overall, and you will feel the benefits too.
To go further: Take the Motivate and Recognize Performance training to learn how to motivate your team, adjust your follow-up, align recognition, offer and receive feedback in a caring way, and develop your management and leadership skills to generate more motivation from your team.
What are your free or low-budget ways of recognition? Your ideas will contribute to better productivity!
Personal note: I wrote 90% of this post in a garage. My appointment was twice as long as expected. My comment was: “I waited a long time and would have appreciated a better follow-up. I understand that you have had problems and I have noted that you have found solutions. Also, I noticed your attention to detail in handing over my car, so thank you.” I challenge you: to propel recognition beyond your work environment.
Also published on LinkedIn.