Approaches to Motivation
During tough economic times, many companies are forced to ask fewer staff members to complete more and more work. In these cases, motivations becomes vitally important.
What are some of the avenues you have used or would use to motivate a group of overworked and stressed out coworkers?
I think always articulating a large picture is essential in this type of environment. People understand the nature of limitations and “get” that during periods of change, adjustments will be required. However, clear communication of intentions will drive down anxiety and help a workforce keep their eyes on the goal of collectively making it through the tough times.
There are many ways to motivate people, and I am sure that many of us can think of a ton of them. The first thing that popped into my head, though, when I read the question was getting people to relax a little, and humor is the way that I have always done that. Getting people to relax a bit will make the rest of the process a little less difficult. I know that this thought isn’t in and of itself a means of motivation, but, for me at least, it is a first step in the process.