Issue No 149 June 2005

Motivation makes happy employees

With skill shortages and employee retention so important. Her business magazine has suggested a motivation tip for each week of the year. We have included a few to keep your employees and customers happy.

• Make it easy for customers to complain, as complaints are valuable tools for improving your business. Handling them well motivates the customer to stay with you.
• Celebrate every success — it doesn't matter how minor, a success is a success and should be recognised.
• Audit your style of giving recognition to ensure it truly motivates people. Show appreciation or say thank you as soon as you are aware of a job well done; praise should be immediate and specific.
• Treat your employees the way you want your employees to treat your customers.
• Treat suppliers with the same courtesy as you treat your customers.
• In approaching your boss with a request, be clear on your goals, your priorities, your time constraints, your minimum requirements and the necessary level of his or her involvement.
• Get to know your employees so that you can tailor rewards to their interests. If an employee is going through a major personal problem, stay close to them and let them know you care.