Motivating Employees - 24 June 2008

In the 1980s when people thought they'd get AIDS just by touching an HIV-infected person, Princess Diana sat on the bed of a man with AIDS and held his hand. She showed the world that people like him deserve compassion - not isolation. Her genuine care helped to change the world's opinion of HIV/AIDS. Princess Diana also used the simple act of caring to motivate others to create massive change. Pictures of her touring the landmine-infested areas of Bosnia directly influenced the signing of an international treaty which banned the use of landmines.

She didn't need to throw big chunks of money at the problem. She didn't need to threaten or coerce world leaders. To make the biggest difference, all Princess Diana had to do was show how much she cared.

Likewise, you don't need to throw big chunks of money around to motivate your employees. And you certainly don't need to threaten or coerce your team. At the core of staff motivation is caring. To make the biggest difference, show your employees how much you care:

• Make Contact: Be available, converse frequently, and have regular catch-ups.
• Personalise: Get to know your employees, their personal lives, and their thoughts.
• Involve Them: Consult your employees before changes that impact them.
• Understand: Ask questions, really listen, and discover their underlying issues.
• Acknowledge: Recognise their contributions and praise their achievements.
• Be Kind: Stay conscious of how your language and your tone affect others.

None of it is rocket science. But all of it is what gets pushed aside when we get too busy, when we're stressed out, or when we don't feel our employees are performing. That in itself is unacceptable. In the same way that children don't need to earn the right of their parents' care, neither should your employees earn your right to care about them. It's a given.

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