Sooner or later you’re going to have employees. If you want to create a large company, you’ll have no choice but to hire people to help you out.
Although hiring employees may sound simple, you’ll quickly learn that no one will care for your company as much as you nor will they work as hard as you. Every once in a while you may find some rock star talent to help you out, but those won’t be the majority of the people that build up your team.
So how do you get people to work really hard? Well, you have to push them to their limits, yet keep them motivated or else they’ll get burned out and quit. Here are 7 tactics I use to push employees to their limits while still keeping them motivated and happy.
Tactic #1: Encourage and discourage at the same time
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I have a tendency to point out how employees can be working more efficiently, what else they can do for the company, and how they need to be creating more aggressive revenue goals.
Over the years I’ve quickly learned that critiquing people 4 days a week does help them work harder, but at the same time it can cause them to quit. So every Friday, I make sure I compliment them on how well of a job they are doing and how I am happy to be working with them. I also do the same thing over the weekend through text messages and emails, which makes them ecstatic and ready to work hard on Monday.
The reason I choose to compliment on Friday is because it’s usually a deadline day in which everyone is trying to hit all of their weekly goals. So by saying how well of a job they did, it shows that you appreciate them as well as gives them a sense of accomplishment.
Tactic #2: Dangle a carrot
The best way I’m able to motivate employees to work hard while keeping them happy is to dangle a carrot in front of them. For each employee you’re going to have to figure out what carrot appeals to him or her most. If you can’t figure out what appeals to them, you may want to start with dangling money as most people are looking to move up in their career.
For example, I know my assistant wants to make more money, so every month she can push me to close 2 enterprise deals, she gets a decent size bonus. This works well because it not only pushes her to figure out which companies I can sell large contracts to, but it also makes her think about my company’s financial well being.
I have another employee who loves luxury watches. I’ve offered to buy him a fancy watch if he is able to get my company an extra 100 qualified leads each day as that will drastically improve the company’s bottom line.
Whatever carrot you decide to dangle, make sure your employee is emotionally attached to it. Playing off of logic is great, but dangling carrots that play off of emotions are more effective.
Tactic #3: Feed them well
Everyone has to eat! So why not feed them? Google and Facebook are just a few of the companies that feed their employees for free and it seems to work well. This way they don’t have to leave work to get food and they’ll be more productive.
If you are starting out you may not be able to provide the level of food services that Google and Facebook provide, but this doesn’t mean you can’t treat your employees to a nice meal once a month. Or you can tie meals to specific company objectives, such as buying lunch on Fridays for employees after you know they have achieved their weekly goals.
When feeding your employees, you don’t have to pick the fanciest restaurants. Just pick a unique place that has a fun vibe. I have found that those type of places are much more appreciated than the stuffy restaurants that you have to dress up to eat at.
Tactic #4: Spontaneity
One of the easiest ways to make your employees more productive is to change up the environment they are working in. You can do things like rearranging office furniture, but I prefer changing up the environment by being spontaneous.
For example, I have a weekly brainstorming session with 2 marketers whom I work with and we typically brainstorm in my condo. Last week we decided to brainstorm while taking a walk on the harbor, as the weather was nice. The beautiful thing about this is that my guys were able to come up with some awesome marketing ideas and they didn’t feel like they were working. Instead they felt like they were just taking a break from work and relaxing by the water.
The trick with being spontaneous is to do things that your employees wouldn’t expect. Like the example above, it can be very simple, and it doesn’t have to cost you a dime.
Tactic #5: Give them a voice
Just because someone works for you, doesn’t mean they are your “bitch”. They are there to help you grow your business, and do what’s best for it… they aren’t there to be your slave. Everyone has feelings and people want to be heard. So when you are in meetings or making decisions about your company, ask your employees what they think.
You don’t always have to take their input, but you’re better off asking them what they think as they could come up with a good solution or a point that you may have never thought of. Plus this will also help them think outside of the box so one day they can just make certain decisions for you so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Tactic #6: Your goals should be to help them accomplish their goals
Before any employee starts working for me, I always ask them their 5 most important personal goals. These goals can’t be tied to work and have to be purely personal. Once they list them out to me, I let them know which ones I can help them accomplish.
In most cases I can typically solve 4 out of 5 goals any new employee lists out to me. So as they continue to work for me over the course of each year, I slowly help them mark off each of their goals.
At the end of the year I go over their personal goals and if they were happy with their accomplishments. At the same time I go over their new goals for the next 12 months and I help them accomplish them as well.
The reason you want to help employees out in their personal life is because it will affect their work life. It doesn’t matter that they should keep both worlds separate, people just have a tendency to mix their work life and personal life together.
Tactic #7: Don’t stop pushing
Employees have a tendency of correlating bonuses, raises, and promotions to how well they do in their job and how much they are learning.
So before my employees have the chance to ask me for a raise or a promotion, I let them know what I expect from them as well as what additional things they need to do to receive a promotion.
By doing this I’m pushing my employees to work harder and I keep on pushing them until they start snapping back at me. Now although they may hate me for this, when they look back at what they accomplished and learned, they tend to be happy with their progress.
Conclusion
Using the tactics I mentioned above is a great first step in keeping your employees happy while pushing them to their limits, but it isn’t enough. Over the last 10 years as an entrepreneur I learned one important thing… it’s the small things that really make a big difference.
Get to know your employees, bond with them, and find out what makes them happy in life. If you care for them just like you care for your wife, husband, child, or sibling, you’ll quickly realize that not only will they work really hard for you, but they’ll be happy to do so.
This amazing course will teach you, step by step, how to double if not triple your traffic over the next 30 days.
Very well said!!
Thanks!
Hey Neil,
I’m not sure texting and e-mailing employees over the weekend is a good idea — they need their downtime, and not think about work, right?
Cheers,
John.
John,
I agree, but in all actuality it depends. I will only check my company email if I am in the mood to work, and if its a company phone then its implied that they can contact you 24×7, however if its personal then it has to do with what type of relationship has been established.
But like you said employees do need time to recharge their batteries, and to much of one thing can become a vice, including work.
Who wouldn’t want to be complimented by their boss? Even if it’s over the weekend? “I make sure I compliment them on how well of a job they are doing and how I am happy to be working with them. I also do the same thing over the weekend through text messages and emails”. The odds are any leader of a company taking the time out of their own weekend to show appreciation to their employees will be getting a great return on their time spent doing so.
Patrick and Ward,
Great thoughts, I couldn’t agree more! If an employers goes the extra mile and works on the weekend it encourages employees to work in unison. Promoting the concept of a team can really help drive your business.
Not only that, but the work week is a lot more flexible now!
Hey Pat,
That’s why I never use a company phone!
Cheers,
John.
John,
Yep, I like to be able to shut off my brain if I need to take a break on the weekend, its almost impossible if I am on call.
Patrick
It depends on the relationship you have with your employees. If you have a close relationship with your employees, texting and emailing your employees can expand on this relationship and encourage hard work. I agree though, employees do need their downtime.
I also thought the same. But, not everyone sees it that way
Everyone has an opinion
Even if I hadn’t checked my email over the weekend, I would love to see some encouragement or congratulations from my boss when I logged in Moday morning. There’s no harm with a pat on the back for a job well done any time of the week.
I agree, every boss has his or her own strategy though. Good luck!
Thanks Neil. Some employees need a bigger carrot than others. Preparation helps you swing a bigger carrot!
Definitely. Having everything in place and being organize definitely helps you incentivize more effectively.
Another great post Neil! Even though I don’t have my own company yet (still figuring out what I really want to do and when since I’m still an undergrad), I love reading your posts.
Also, I was wondering what kind of personal goals do you help them accomplish? I can’t quite imagine what I would need from a boss to succeed in my personal life. Could you just give me a small example if you have the time. Thanks and keep on writing these awesome articles
Thanks, glad you found the post useful. Personal goals can range anywhere from financial planning (savings, planning, saving for a child’s education) to helping them achieve their goals on a personal level (improving confidence, reaching benchmarks in life). There are a number of things an employer can do to empower his/her employees.
Great Tips for employers. I like the one “Giving them a Voice” as this will make them feel that their opinion counts, and it’s taken into consideration. It works well with me, as it brings out the best of them, as they can see they are having a direct say within the business. Always have an ear for your employees. Make them feel important….at the end o the day, they make you money, if they are happy.
Definitely, great points. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Giving your employee a direct say in the business creates a sense of ownership in an ideal.
To keep your employees quiet without giving them the opportunity to tell their ideas is just wrong. Employees that have the freedom to speak are much more productive.
I agree, employees who feel they can contribute work harder. Also if you allow your employees to share their ideas it is likely that one of those ideas will be beneficial to your business.
Tactic one is the essence. The rest are just recommended. Sometimes it could be a problem if you are too good with your employees. I would add – never befriend them.
It depends on what time of business you are running. If you are working on a purely corporate level where there is a large HR department then it may be a bad idea to befriend them. However, if you have the ultimate say in your business then it’s up to you if you want to befriend an employee or not. I agree though, being too good to your employees is not wise.
Thanks for the tips Neal. I will remember them when I have employees.
Could you give a few examples of Tatic 6? It is a little hard to visualize. If my boss asked me about personal goals, I think I would get defensive. For example, what if the person has a side project, that if went well could make he leave the job? Or if he is having problems at home, with his wife? Could help with that?
The personal can range from financial planning (saving money etc.) to planning for retirement. Not sure I would deal with domestic issues, that is highly personal.
Another excellent post Neil. This post just sums of essence of all HR courses. Will learn to implement. Thanks
Thanks, never thought of it that way but it works
This is a great post and really loved it. I run a small VAs company and I all these days thought that pushing them will give negative results but after reading your post i have to bring in some changes.
Awesome, glad you found the tips useful. Good luck, let me know how it works!
Good post. Carrots helps
definitely!
Hi Neil,
.
Really great post.
In my experience, keep it professional,chalenge them and be for them is the best recepie to get out of your employees the best.And not to forget : respect and truely listen, mixed with fun- a little
What and how you give to them,you get it back.
Thank you
Jelena
Definitely. Great points. I like that, “what you give them, you get back”
Neil,
This article was so good I shared it on my company’s intranet in a section I call Eran’s Motivational Documents.
Thanks
Eran
Thanks for thinking of me, much appreciated!
Excellent tips Neil. Very well said, its just not about yourself but also about the people who help you achieve what you achieve.
Definitely. Empowering others is the best way to empower yourself.
Thanks for the tips Neil. I surely will try them and let yaa know how it goes. Tactic #5 I think is something not many does..but could be powerful..
Glad you found the post useful. It is a very powerful tactic if employed properly.
Hi Neil,
Thanks for the reminders … these are excellent!
One suggestion – incorporate “energy management” practices and give employees a break over the weekend to rest, replenish and refuel. Save the texts / emails for early Monday a.m. instead of sending them over the weekend. We are a 24/7 society and people are drained and depleted on some level … everyone deserves “self-care” time.
Cheers!
Susan
Great points. I think the texts emailing schedule depends on the type of business you are operating. If you are working on a corporate 9-5 level then that is fine. However, if everyone is working and collaborating on a project then those communications avenues must always remain open. Thanks for the kind words.
Great article. If I were to add anything, it would be, “understand your employee’s job and temperament.” I have worked for two organizations who have expected to hire technical staff and then add sales tasks to their technical task list. That is just setting them up for failure both from a time resource standpoint and from a personality standpoint. All employees should be in “sales” in that they should be enthusiastic about the company and they should treat the client well, but just because you hired someone doesn’t mean that you get to switch them to sales because you said so.
I agree, good points. I think empowering them to work on a number of tasks at once can also help them be more ingrained in the product. There is definitely a learning curve, but the goal is to make a business a well oil machine that operates efficiently.
Hi Patel,
I have already received this article via email newsletter & was attracted by the tittle, then read it. Thanks ^^
Awesome. Hope you found it useful!
Nice writeup!
Just started of with my startup with few employees in, right timing
Awesome. Let me know how it works for you, good luck!
well, that was great share and lots of stuff I’ve learned today though. And, I do “It doesn’t matter that they should keep both worlds separate, people just have a tendency to mix their work life and personal life together. “. So, to deploying it, required very much sensibility to not only help me to achieve my target in professional life but also in personal life. Really so inspiring.
Awesome, glad you found the post useful. Let me know how implementing all these strategies works for you!
Wow. Thanks for sharing. Always enjoy your insights
Thanks for the kind words, really appreciate it.
Hi Neil,
I disagree a little bit with changing the environment.
Personally, I like doing that but there most people don’t like change. It makes them anxious.
Slavi
Change is inevitable in most cases. However, I agree there can’t be too much change. Thanks for reading, enjoy your input.
the greate sharing tip neil patel. Im very sure to try every single tip on my own business. thanks!
Great, let me know how it works
Great article! Now what’s a subtle way to put this in front of my boss?
Hmmm…You know your boss better than I do
Hey Neil – another great post. Thanks.
Quick question. You always have such great images on each blog post. How do you go about finding them, what is your process?
I am in contact with some people who do great infographics. There are many people out there who provide infographic services, seek them out.
Hey Neil
ive gone through your mail ,yes is really fantastic and remember that to have a gud and success company
make your Employees happy all de tyms
Thanks for the input. Yes, ultimately you want a happy employee.
Hey Neil,
i really like your artical. I have a small firm name Gautam Enterprises pepsi co c&f in sahranpur u.p. and around 38 people working under me.After reading your artical i have designed a SALEMAN OF THE WEEK board IN MY OFFICE.From few days i have find out that the overall sale is in growth. Some days before the actual sale was 750 carets per day now its almost 1300 c/s per day. Everyday i receiving so many compliments from the higher staff members of the company from the pepsi co plant. i would like to ask you some new more question regarding the behavior to words my staff.
thanx very much
regards
That’s great. Good job! Ask away…
Very interesting and challenging too.. I think those tips are really working fine for you and I can see that..
Thanks for the kind words. Hope these strategies work for you too.
Neil,
I believe that the following 3 strategies will work out for sure:
-> Dangle a carrot
-> Spontaneity
-> Give them a voice
However I’m wondering that in Tactic #5 (Give them a voice), one should not consider all employees of the company while making certain decisions. Company should have a meeting with only those employees who have been working with organization since long time and mainly who are reliable with practical thinking.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Definitely great points. It depends on the size and scale of your business. If you are working for a corporate entity then it’s not necessary to have every member of your 1000 person team at a meeting. However, if you are working running a small firm or business then it’s wise to include everyone in the mix.
Love this post! I have incorporated some of these steps into my company already, and I may try a few of your other suggestions…
Great, let me know how it works!
Hi Neil
You have brought out a lot of good points in this post. I am nowhere near employing or even in a position to employee someone to work for me. I’m still trying to make my first buck in this world of Internet Marketing.
However, by experience I have been working for a Telecommunications Company for over 20 years and have had many coaching 1 on 1 sessions with my Managers over the years. I have grown and learnt so much.
I can vouch for all of the above 7 tactics because they have been a part of my successful life.
I have had so many meals handed to us (employees) such as pizza meals, lunch meals, breakfast pancakes, Sausage sizzles and many more hungry eating assignments. Sure has given me plenty of energy to concentrate on my goals and focus like a positive dynamo.
The tactic of ‘dangling a carrot’ has also boosted my morale over the years installing the loyalty factor in my make-up.
I have won many trips overseas especially to Singapore, and Thailand for being the top salesman in the Company.
It was an amazing experience to travel by super cruiser from Singapore to Thailand. I cant wait to win my next trip.
So I would definately dangle a carrot to motivate any individual.
I can also honestly say that if it weren’t for my goal setting, I would not have won these trips. Goal setting would have to be the drive to accomplish anything worth writing down with realistic attributes.
An old age: ‘ A goal not written is only a wish’. In other words if we do not write our goals down, we cannot expect to attain anything.
In conclusion I have also noticed over the years that working as a team to accomplish a worthy goal can be obtained with enthusiasm if everyone is on the same page. Everyone in the team needs to know there roles and the procedures of the Companys rules.
Once again
Thanks Neil
Richard,
Great points as always. Incentivizing is very important, I am sure those trips to those exotic locales were really rewarding. Keep up the hard work!
I’m sorry, but this is trite, disingenuous, tripe. “ecstatic”?
That’s a nice play on words. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
I agree with tactic #1. Too many times the employee does,t get credit for a job well done but it seems they will always get told if they didn’t do a job well. Great tips.
Yep, you have to make sure you give credit where credit is due.
Most employees are looking for their benefits and they quit or resign if they haven’t get it as well as the company wants on their jobs.. Your advice is perfectly win win situation between employees and the company.
Great points. Thanks!
Great Post Neil
Thanks, appreciate it!
Try not to bribe them with pizza after you scold them.
Haha, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll mix it up next time…maybe sandwiches
I’m not sure texting and e-mailing employees over the weekend is a good idea, too.
Depending on the size and scale of your business it may be useful. If you are working in a corporate structure then maybe not. But if you are working within a tight nit, cohesive group then it can be extremely smart to keep things rolling on the weekends.
These are all great tips to create a happy and healthy company – a great work environment resonates well with clients.
A few people have mentioned that emailing/texting over the weekend is not a good idea and I would say it all depends on the company. At the corporate level that would most likely be a little much but if you’re a start-up or SMB then you are never off the clock.
Definitely, great points. Couldn’t have said it any better. It all depends on the size, scale, and type of business you are operating. Thanks for reading!
I don’t think texting over the weekend is a good idea.
I’d say praise them for the job well done as it happens.
The only exception to the texting over the weekend I’d say would be if they have to do some extra work or to handle an emergency situation that wasn’t planned during the week.
Thanks for the input. A lot of these tips depend on management style and the scale and size of your company. These methods have worked extremely well for me, but there are definitely other ways to manage as well.
Thanks Neil, I am going to keep this post and refer to it often. I even might print it out, even though I am trying super hard to become paperless! (super hard…)
I work part time from home, and part time at the office. 3 days vs. 3 days. so this will be a good motivator for me to be more involved on my home days, via email and chat, since I struggle with managing my business from home. One day when my kiddos are older I can work all week long…:)
Awesome, I am glad you found the post useful. Sounds like you have your hands full right now, good luck with your business
Neil,
great tips for sure. I never really thought about discovering employees’ personal goals and helping them achieve them. I suspect most other employer’s haven’t either (and don’t care), which can help explain high turnover. By investing in your employee’s on a personal level I can definitely see how you create a bond that’s not easily broken. That’s awesome and thanks for the insight (as usual).
-Chris
Chris,
Great points, thanks for the kind words as well. I completely agree, don’t knock it til’ you try it. Creating personal bonds with your employees and empowering them can go a long way.
You certainly make some great points here. I like how you say to treat your employees well and get to know them. By doing this they will be more happy to work for you. This does make a lot of sense, many people can’t leave their home life behind no matter how much they try, so if you are able to connect and help them with their goals, you are helping them to strive and do better within a company. Happy employees are good ones~!
Definitely. I like that thought “happy employees are good ones.”
I have worked with many different types of people but I have found that the ones who are genuinely concerned, get better production. It makes people feel good about their job and that they are not just a number.
Yep, no one likes to feel as if they aren’t important.
For me its different. A boss which considers himself a boss I just hate him. Yeah ur article is indeed great
Keep it up
Thanks for the kind words and for reading.
Neil – great post. I like how you’ve gone beyond what most companies do – focus only on monetary benefits as a way of motivating employees. Research has shown that money is just one motivator, and often not the most important, when evaluating employee morale, determination and happiness at work.
Michael,
I completely agree. I find that money pays the bills and allows you to get nice things. However, your mood at work determines your overall level of contentment as you are spending 40 plus hours a week with the same people.
This is an excellent article and full of great advice. The largest challenge in my opinion is finding out what makes someone “tic”. One of our people, for example, loves praise, but others don’t. Some love to contribute to strategic decisions, others don’t. Money matters more to some people, stability to others. This is why building a team full of complimentary people is so difficult to do. There is no magic recipe.
Great points. You really have to hone in on each individual and find what works best. Finding a motivating factor is hard, but very valuable in the long term.
Points were great and very well describe. I’ve find so many good points which will help when i’ll start my business. Thank you so much.
Glad you found the post useful
Hello Neil, I’m a director at technical institution , I read your article and I agree what you had done and I’m applying now what you have done at your trick number 1, 5 dan 6 . And I told you it’s very effective.
Glad to see the methods work for you. Good luck in the future !
If all the bosses thought as you!
There will be no more sad and frustrated employees.
Definitely. You have to create a valuable connection with your employees!
Nice ideas to keep employees happy in job
Glad you found it useful. Thanks
Even through your blogs, people can definitely get a picture of how you are in the “real” world. I can just imagine hearing your voice with how you speak your words. You’re company is blessed to have you and am sure, your colleagues could say the same to have you as their boss. Cheers, Neil.
Thanks for the kind words. I am sure your company is blessed to have you as well, as you seem to search for knowledge of matters relating to business and marketing.
Great post, Neil. These are excellent points to highlight the idea that keeping employees engaged and interested in their work is the most important thing. Not only will it retain the employee, but it will positively contribute to productivity.
We also wrote a blog post about employee engagement, and it can be found here: http://www.snellingnj.com/blog/bid/25030/Employment-101-Keep-Your-Employees-Happy
I think that many of the ideas you listed above will cause your employees to “jump out of bed in the morning.” Great points!
Thanks, and I look forward to reading your blog post
I never understood the point behind employer asking -’top 5 or top 3′ goals during interviews. Thanks for explaining that point.
Not a problem. Glad I could help!
Hi Neil
I just wanted to share something with you in relation to this post and the importance of keeping your employees motivated.
Today has been a great day at the office with the Company I work for. Why? After 20 years with the Company, my employers decided to shout me a luncheon and congratulate me for all the years of hard slogging. I must of made millions for this Company over the 20 year period. As I mentioned in my other posts, I seem to be an automatic Dynamo ticking over second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, hopefully year by year until I see sunshine rays in the horizon.
I seem to be like an enthusiastic pauper hanging around the feet of Princes,kings & Queens of Internet Marketing Gurus waiting for that moment of enlightenment. “Ar yes! I keeping saying to myself”. I’m going to try that and that.
My main focus is to build my list. This has to be the only opportunity to see the sun rising in the distance. ” Thank you Clickbank where ever you are”.
I might have mention this before Neil-Dangling that carrot has kept me going. My team mates had the cheek to show a younger photo of myself from 10 years ago.Today was surely one of those carrots. I sure had a good meal. This all happened this afternoon. Then it was back to the grinder.
I’m going to be hanging around here Sir for a long while Neil, if that is alright with you. I need that link juice. One day I might have the privilege of being a IM king like yourself Neil. But then again I better not get ahead of myself and start thinking like a proud person. Humility is where I would rather be.
One day if we ever cross each others path I would be honored to shout you a burger from Burger King or any food of your choosing.
I have been to so many one on one sessions with my managers over the years – implementing, analyzing and improving my performance. Its been great learning so much knowledge stored away in my memory banks. Just oozing out waiting to take on that next challenge.
Well Neil. The time here is 8.12pm. I’m going to bed soon and will be up again at 3.am to start this all over.
Have a great day
Richard
Awesome. Congratulations, Burger King would be awesome! Thanks Richard.
One important point to add about “feeding them well” – the feeding acts as social bonding for the team – it’s a bit like a team building exercise where all you have to do to win – is eat!
I like the way you put that haha. Just eat!
I find the best way to get the most out of my staff is to make them feel like they own a task. Then it’s my job to offer support, advice, and encouragement. When you offer most people a bit of responsibility, and trust them, they’ll usually rise to the challenge, and sometimes raise the bar one you!
Good points. I think creating that relationship and empowering your employees is essential to seeing them, and your company, grow.
I think creating that relationship and empowering your employees is essential to seeing them, and your company, grow.
Goal alignment is a great way to motivate employees. Sometimes not easy to do in certain situations. But when it lines up, it’s a no brainer.
True, I agree. Seeing where people’s goals and aspirations are makes the job easy.
Awesome post. I’m going to modify this for a classroom setting. I teach 5th grade in South Chicago and as I read the post, I kept thinking: this sounds just like my students! I reward them, set personal and academic goals, etc. Except instead of money, our currency is stickers.
I appreciate the constant free advice.
Bravo! My Mom was a teacher in the Cabrini Green area for some years. She did everything she could to bring the outside world to the kids, including getting pieces of fur from a furrier for children whose only experience with animals was rats and pit bulls; so, the children had never touched fur that didn’t bite.
Nora,
That’s a great story as well. Your mom sounds like an awesome lady!
That’s awesome. I used to look forward to getting stickers in grade school. It really incentivizes the whole approach to learning, which is okay
Neil,
Great info. I’m a bit more laid back in my management style. Whats a good place to start pushing a little harder?
Goal attainment and motivation. Helping your employees reach goals they, or you, set for them is extremely important.
Nice points Neil, you are well in the Field of managing an Employee, well said in 7th point “Don’t stop pushing”, yes i agree we don’t make our employee pressure. we should motivate our employee. I learn a good kind lesson here..Thank you
Thanks, glad you found the post useful. I definitely agree you should always keep pushing and steering your employees in a positive direction.
If every company owner would think like you Neil there would be no people to hire because they would not leave their job
I love the way you see things and it is too bad that only a very very small percentage of employers think this way. I’ve seen employers who talk to their employees like they are slaves and this is outrageous but these days people would do anything to keep their job so they just listen and move on.
Definitely. I think empowering your employees is the best way to cultivate growth and a team atmosphere.
If you don’t communicate with your employees and if you are not treating them right they won’t be 100% productive and will eventually leave which means that you will have to do it again with a new employee and so on. All of this is a waste of time and it will hurt your business.
I agree, communication is key to everything. Without it you don’t have a shot at success.
it’s a really awesome post i’m totally agree with your points you have given me a great information i’ll kept them in my mind forever.
Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Glad you found the blog insightful and useful for yourself.
Free food is the #1 incentive I believe. I get free breakfast every morning & Snacks. This is a huge win! Something for free is what really makes people happy. Waking up in the morning knowing I do not have to make breakfast or clean up are cooking just makes life easier!
Yes, I agree. Food is something we all need so why not use it as an incentive! That’s awesome that you get free breakfast and snacks every morning, your boss must appreciate your service.
The strategies work really well when you have a small team. But, if you have a 100+ employee company, it’s not very practical to connect personally with each employee.
But, agreed, you don’t start off with a 100 employee company. So as you go along, you have the chance to “dangle the carrot”.
Motivating employees is a big job. Especially, motivating people who are motivated by money. No matter how much they are paid, they always want more. Not everyone might be like this, but most people I saw are like this
That’s definitely true. While it isn’t the case for everyone, some people are greedy and cannot work within the framework of incentives..they always want more.
I’ve never been “the boss”. But, I probably will end up having to hire some help within a year or so.
As one who’s always been the employee, I must say that number 7 sounds quite bad. If I were being pushed so hard that I actually would “snap” at my boss, I would probably already be losing sleep, have dangerously elevated blood pressure, and be suffering problems in my personal life from the stress.
Of course, I have never worked for a boss who actually demonstrated a caring attitude about my personal well being and progress, either. (That is probably why I choose to no longer have a boss.) So, perhaps, the snapping would come at an earlier and less detrimental point if working for a person like you than it would have for my former employers.
Great points. If your boss is pushing you as hard as they should be it must be during the early stages of employment….anything after, is just perceived as confrontational (which would increase blood pressure) .
That was a complete guide. The point of providing food like Google and Facebook for free really makes many people to stay longer, work better and provide good output results.
I Have been a part of Google GIS team, Hyderabad and I loved their environment.
Definitely, that’s great that you work for the team there. They have a great structure when it comes to employees perks and benefits.
Good point. The picture is very well chosen. They certainly look like they like their job. Are those your employees Neil?
Haha no, they aren’t. But they do look like they love their job.
Some great advise. In business school my professors would always quote Peter Drucker in that “the business of business is business”, however, one day as I was walking through campus contemplating this phrase I really determined that while this has some legitimacy, truly, the business of business is people.
Great post Neil, it is solid advise. Cheers.
Thanks for the input. Great points. I like that last bit a lot “the business of people is business.” I hope you don’t mind if I use it
*the business of business is people , sorry
No problem, you are free to use it. I mean, if you really drill down to the core of business, it’s people.
Yep, it certainly is.
Also, just a random thought, what is your opinion if an employee has a personal passion to run their own business in the same field as your company, let’s say website design or whatever. Do you help them / approve of this (though I know you can’t fully stop them anyways) knowing they will be competition?
It is my experience that employees in the long run are committed to their careers and not their employer, so in some way, I would see them branching out a positive thing, as they will be learning more and helping me longer if I help them accomplish their dreams. What is your take on this scenario?
This scenario happens more often than one would believe. You cannot get upset about this; however, you can be upset if they steal the ideas of your company and were actively working to do so. Ultimately, however, I try to judge character before I hire. It’s vital!
Fair enough, I would be curious to hear a few tips on judging character for hiring, from your point of view.
I’ve been chewing on why we hire who we hire lately. In particular, I always notice a clear difference in service at a well managed local bank here in Anchorage where I live, versus Wells Fargo. Obviously they offer the same services, and the employees live in the same areas, but the warmth of the employees and the consistency and quality of service are always far superior at the local bank. Regardless of the local vs. national difference, the local bank clearly knows how to hire a certain type of personality and service orientated worker. What are your top 5 items, characteristics or be it personal qualities you personally look for in employees Neil?
I really don’t have a list of items that I can share. However, I completely understand your observation. I think the small time bank has a better ear to the community, whereas, Wells Fargo is a corporate entity. Corporate entities tend to streamline the hiring process with gimmicks, HR departments, and personality tests (all of which are not good indicators of character) If you know your community you can judge character much better.
Yep, it’s very true. Amazing how much of a difference it can make.
Definitely.
Great advice! Your employees are the reason why your company will either succeed or fail so like you said it is important to keep them happy. I had a friend work at Google and he thought it was just the bees knees.
Yes, it is essential to have employees who are dedicated to you and your product!
Employees are the ones that really bring profit to your company. If you hire low quality employers for a lower fee your income will also be less but if you hire high quality employees for a higher your income will also increase and the image of your company will also be much better.
This is true. I am currently reading “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and thsi book states that it success is all about getting the right people on the bus first. Then you think of a plan to help your company.
I like that quote! getting all the right people on the bus first, I might use it
Hey Neil, your each and every article is awesome, i can’t myself from commenting.
Thanks, glad you enjoy them
Feed them well. That is a good point. All the companies should follow the example of Google and Facebook and offer free food. That is one of the reasons why these two companies always tops the list of “best places to work”.
Free food is definitely great
This post provides some excellent advice, Neil. I would have to agree that showing your employees appreciation with company lunches, bonuses, and compliments is a nice moral-booster. We also have a meeting each quarter in which we discuss our new goals and coordinate a company outing that everyone agrees on. The company outings range from after-work “bar crawls” to Whirleyball and Laster tag to seeing a movie collectively. It gives everyone an opportunity to grow closer which fosters a familial company environment.
That sounds fun, I want to hang out at your work now
haha
Hi Neil
You have shared a very good idea for pushing the employees, but i think some of the ideas will won’t work such as changing the environment…
It’s not a black and white model for management, however, it does work on a small scale if implemented correctly.
Hi Neil how to Start a Workplace Claim Against Your Employer?
Sorry, I have no idea. Consult a laywer.
This one’s great Neil. Actually, managing your employees is much more like managing your leads. If you don’t know how to handle them properly, then they would leave you behind. Great post by the way.
That is definitely true. Leads must be nurtured much like employees.
And employees be nurtured as leads
I think that’s how it goes.
Haha sounds like you are in the marketing/sales space too
Great tis, Encouraging them will make them more interested to the work and surely will love the work they are doing. Who does’nt like an encouragement
Great points, encouragement is definitely great. It tends to motivate an employee in a way money cannot.
What ever you will trying to stat , but one thing i got from my 3 different office that always give employees full opportunity to give ideas and the CEO of the company should be frank to the employees
Definitely, great points. Being genuine and honest is very essential.
Hello
It is very tough for me to manage employees but now i would try this ideas for smooth co-ordination with them. Let see how these ideas will work for me.
Good luck, I am sure it will all work out just fine
That’s quite a very good technique there. Our employees are indeed the most important personality in our business. They’re the ones working for you. So, you really have to encourage them to do well.
Definitely, encouragement is the best incentive you can offer.
“Get to know your employees, bond with them, and find out what makes them happy in life. ”
While I agree with you, how does one make that happen? Any suggested opening gambits? I have found this the hardest, especially with employees who simply don’t really think they should share such information with their ‘boss’.
It’s really hard. You have to gain trust, once you do that then a relationship can flourish. Take them out to lunch sometime.
I have a long way to go before I’ll be worrying about managing employees, but you can only work towards something if you know what you want the end result to be. It’s good that I’m getting a heads up about a lot of the intricacies through you that I will hopefully face someday soon. Thanks in advance I guess
Thanks for reading. Glad you found it useful, one day you will reference this post! Good luck!
I definitely wouldn’t want to work for you. And I sure most of the developer-types don’t like to under this kind of management style.
Totally agree. The strategy will really work if its thought for a small company.
Very true, the relationships are more tit knit in a small company.
Hi neil, another good read article from you, I’m getting fond of viewing your site daily, just cant get enough. My favorite here is “feed them well”, I recalled how my boss treats us for lunch or snacks, it doesn’t have to be expensive or fine dining, but that simple deed allows us to bond and get to know more of each other, having fun at work is a very important element in one’s career. My second favorite is “give them a voice”, employees around the globe doesn’t want a bossy type of superior and everyone of us is entitled for our very own freedom of speech so we have to exercise our rights. As long as we know we are not doing anything wrong, let’s fight and stand for our opinions. As a matter of fact, we can contribute more and achieve better results if we brainstorm and combine our creative inputs.
Thanks Marie, I appreciate the support. Those two are definitely big ones. When you share and communicate with employees you achieve ultimate results.
Wow. I wish my boss would do that for us. But good tips for those who have their own business. If ever I would start my business I’ll take note of these things. It looks like you treat your employees very well. And it seems very effective. I once worked in a company who pushes us to hard but does not gives us any bonus, and pays us little too. That’s why I quit the job, because I felt another company deserves my hard work
. thanks for the very great post.
ellen
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Ellen!
Thanks Neil for sharing that…Usually its difficult to make them happy at that time…
Hopefully these tips have made it is easier to do so.
You have some practical ideas here. I like the idea of compliments on Friday as long as good achievements are acknowledged other times as well. I know some might scoff at ideas like “feed them” , but that really does tweak a lot of people’s buttons.
You are right on point. Both of the things you have mentioned work well in my experience
If my boss took a page from this post he would get his whole staff to push harder. But you know what? he is complete opposite.
That’s very interesting haha.
Dear Neil,
This is a really great, there is something which i feel that you can add, remembering your staff birthday and sending card with your own hand written.
That is certainly a thoughtful addition. Great idea, thank you
for it.
Hey Neil, thanks for sharing a good 7 tactics. Employees plays a very important role in the growth of the company. So to treat them nicely is very essential, so that they can give a better productivity for the company.
Exactly, if your employees and dissatisfied then you are less likely to have a productive work environment.
I have a long way to go before I’ll be worrying about managing employees, but you can only work towards something if you know what you want the end result to be. It’s good that I’m getting a heads up about a lot of the intricacies through you that I will hopefully face someday soon.
If anything just remember for the future when dealing with employees be generous, be fair.
Tactics 4 catches my fancy a lot and I’ll quickly be implementing it. Thanks Neil. Since i got across your blog a week ago I have totally fallen in love with it. It’s what I just need at this moment of trying to build my first company
Thanks, I appreciate it. Let me know how these tips work out for you.
It’s tough to manage employees, because the word employee could refer to anyone on Earth. I think the key to succesful management is being able to read the group you are working with and apply the right managerial skills to that particular group.
Good point, it is definitely beneficial to be able to know the type of people you are working with. That way you can better understand how to manage them. Thanks for your input.
The employee should get participated in both gain and loss of the company,at the same time the employer should analyze why the work is not going on and take steps immediately to solve it, Am i right Neil?
Definitely, you seem to have the right idea.
Dear Neil
I found your advice rather motivating. I work for a corporate company and while leaders pay to develop these tactics you mention, to junior leaders, they do not in essence practice what they preach. They listen with deaf ears and this is frustrating. They call meetings for brainstorming but will ultimately stick to their ideas. Sad. Wish there was a way to make them realize the effect they have on us without having the company suffer the consequences. I love the company, but not …
Thank you Ragni,
I am sorry to hear about your difficulties at work. Some people can’t handle the truth and rather be right then fix what is wrong. Hopefully soon, they will see how their lack of corporation is bad for the company and change.
Best of luck.
I try to provide good food to my employees for free on specific days to keep them motivated. I also give them extra bonus for good work keeps their spirits high. I am eager to implement tactic no 2 and see how it works.
Sounds good, let me know how it works for you when you do.
Nice writeup. I have a question – my employees’ work is very monotonous. They work in a warehouse, packing boxes, sorting inventory and it is all pretty much the same work earning $10/hr. The thing is they are already very motivated without me having to do too much. They have great attitude and we are lucky to have them but it took 2 years and a lot of hiring and firing to finally find such willing employees. I am so scared we will lose them. We recognize them for their hard work by praising them and have given them 2 raises since they joined at $8/hour. Is there anything else we should be doing when an employee’s work is not very exciting or if it is often not deadline oriented. Thanks
I would say just keep some of these tips you read above in mind as well as keep an enjoyable work environment. Listen to what they need or want. By doing that it shows you care and will keep them happy.
How to make people to perform an activity which is repetative in nature yet it a core activity to know their own productivity. Its been over years still I dont see they doing it ontime. Can you suggest some good idea to bring the rigor. Need help.
Cheers,
Sudeep
Try some of the tips suggested above and see how they work for you.
You discourage your employees Mon-Thur, purposely hold off Friday. You ‘dangle carrots’ to keep them.
You’re nothing but a son of a bitch and I hope all of your employees with sense enough to quit, eventually do so.
Great post. #4 is great advice and something that would break things up and possible inspire even more creative thinking.
Excellent advice, just what I needed this week. I’ve hired 2 new people and trying to get them to work more efficient and keep the great mood!
i prefer the old slave-driver technique lol
hey neil,
“Tactic #1: Encourage and discourage at the same time”, totally agree with it. other tactics are also fabulous. this article was good to read.
Thanks.
Matt
Very interesting and challenging too.. I think those tips are really working fine for you and I can see that.Thanks!,,