Avoid a drop in productivity during the winter months
The days have gotten shorter, the weather can be frightful and it gets dark before closing time, creating weary employees and a sluggish workforce. This time of year presents a case of the winter doldrums for many of us, but as leaders, it’s up to us to motivate our teams to stay the course and make some headway on our 2015 goals.
So, how do you do it? The best way to get employees to reach their full potential is to help them own their work and believe in what your company is doing. Make them a part of it. Money is not the only thing that motivates people to perform. You have to appeal to every employee on multiple levels: physical, mental and emotional. Create a culture of teamwork and fun. Invest in your team through training, additional responsibilities and simple rewards. After all, your people are your company’s greatest assets.
From a mental standpoint, many employees are in a “what’s in it for me” mindset. And, understandably so—it’s the start of the year, and you’re about to ask a lot of them. To get buy-in, you need to make them part of the payoff. If you can, either sit each employee down and have a short conversation, or do a team presentation, where you reiterate goals for the New Year and talk about what’s in it for them. Whether it’s the excitement of being part of a groundbreaking project, or if there’s a monetary payoff for their involvement…make it clear that when they do a good job, there’s something in it for them. Your management team should have ideally been part of the planning process to determine goals for the year. Having a voice during these critical planning sessions goes a long way to achieve company-wide buy-in. If they haven’t been involved yet, challenge each manager to figure out how to achieve these goals as a team. Active participation yields motivation.
From a physical standpoint, your workforce is feeling the effects of winter and the holidays. They are more sluggish, they may have gained a little weight from the holidays and if the weather is cold, they aren’t going for walks outside as much. Don’t underestimate the positive effects of a little physical activity! Spearhead a New Year’s challenge to get 30 minutes of activity in each day, and encourage employees to walk over lunch or even see if local gyms will provide a group discount to your employees. But, remember you have to walk the walk, too! Take the lead by calling for a “walk break” every once in a while or take the stairs instead of the elevator. You’ll be surprised how far a little exercise goes to wake the brain up and get your team performing at its best. “Walking meetings” are extremely powerful. Instead of meeting in your office, take it outside. Talk as you walk. You will be amazed at the results.
And, finally, from an emotional standpoint, employees may be feeling a little down. With less sunshine and shorter days, people aren’t getting enough Vitamin D, which can cause seasonal depression. The first two guidelines will boost their mood with some motivation and exercise, but a little teambuilding and coaching would not go amiss. Set a regular team meeting where employees own it and develop the agenda. Try to schedule a monthly or quarterly “one-on-one” meeting with each team member to set individual goals that align with the company’s goals for the year. That way, as the employee grows they help move the business forward. This direct relationship to company goals allows you to check in during one-on-one meetings to measure against those goals. Congratulate their successes, and help them navigate obstacles. For the group, try taking the team out to lunch every once in a while and make a point of highlighting their great work. I work with an office supply company whose salespeople come in and make a hot breakfast for the delivery drivers once a year. The drivers are always very appreciative, elated actually and it is a lot of fun too! Proof that a little recognition and rewards will go a long way to improve team morale.
Your January Leadership Checklist: Motivate and Engage
- Reiterate 2015 goals to team with “what’s in it for them”
- Launch a New Year’s Challenge to get your team moving
- Set regular team meetings; empower employees to create the agenda
- Schedule “one-on-one” meetings with team members; establish goals or key accountabilities
- Coordinate a group lunch once a month
Follow these steps and guidelines to ensure your team reaches its full potential in 2015. If you need help along the way, contact me and we can strategize what works best for your business.
By Blair Koch
