International Day of Charity is just around the corner, making it a great time to uplift those around you, especially your team! Encouragement is powerful because it boosts morale, helping to lift spirits and keep everyone motivated on their tasks. The synergy that you bring as a leader is just as important in bringing everyone together. When team members are all on the same page, their productivity often improves, leading to better efforts in their roles.
Here are several ways you can encourage your team on a daily basis!
1. Be accessible for support and guidance
Opening your door to those who need your attention is the first step in showing your team that you've always got their backs. Even a little bit of attention can make them feel valued and purposeful. As a leader, your team will turn to you when they feel 'stuck' or need some direction.
End your meetings/emails with an invitation to come to you for anything for future reference.
Actively ask your team if they need help from time to time.
In a physical setting, keep your office door open to avoid appearing closed off and to encourage open communication. Curious about how to become a better listener? Check out this blog here!
2. Host challenges aimed to boost creativity or productivity
In the midst of your team's typical workday, things can sometimes become monotonous. Adding an element of achievement can do just the trick when it comes to capturing their full attention. Hosting professional or personal challenges throughout the week can increase their attentiveness through creative and productive activities.
Create a top performing leaderboard of the week (Throw in a small prize for the winners!).
Organize a drawing contest on the office's whiteboard.
Create a 'Brainstorming Jar' where everyone can drop in their ideas anonymously.
3. Lighten the mood with humor
Who doesn't like a good laugh? Even though work may be serious, adding a bit of humor in the office can be beneficial. When work is getting done, humor can help team members feel more connected to the work culture you aspire to bring. Being too serious all the time can negatively impact morale, so don't be afraid to crack a few jokes and change up the atmosphere.
Sprinkle some quirky memes, jokes or pictures to reflect your own personality. These could be shared during meetings, in messages or your emails.
Announce a couple of themed dress-up days throughout the year, such as Pajama Day, Throwback Thursday or Wacky Wednesday!
- Start each day by greeting the office with a lighthearted joke. You can also invite team members to share their own jokes. By beginning the day with a smile, it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
4. Bring in some occasional surprises
Adding surprise elements in the office is another great way to encourage your team to perform at their best. It really can be anything, from small gifts and treats to unexpected breaks and engaging meetings, shaking up the average routine is sure to take them out of auto-pilot mode and into a more dynamic and enthusiastic mindset.
Host surprise workshops that target and improve key skillsets such as communication, time management or self-care.
Give your team small, thoughtful gifts to show appreciation (personalized item or snacks). Consider setting up a pop-up snack bar to add an extra touch of fun, but keep in mind that this will require a bit more budget.
Organize a fun office game or trivia session. A bit of lighthearted competition can strengthen your team's bond.
5. Reflect on individual highlights
Each member of your team deserves recognition for their unique strengths and skills. It's important as a leader to acknowledge their contributions and place them in positions where they can thrive both within their job and beyond. Doing so not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their overall success and job satisfaction.
Be sure to give praise where it's deserved, whether it's during meetings, through emails or with a quick personal visit.
Hold occasional one-on-one meetings to discuss their goals, provide feedback and explore ways to support their growth.
Celebrate work anniversaries, promotions or project wins with a personalized touch - send a handwritten note, small gift or gather the team for a casual get-together!
6. Revitalize the office's ambiance
Just like spring cleaning, the office benefits from a periodic refresh to change things up. Adding or adjusting small elements can make a significant impact, especially in a small, close-knit team. As mentioned earlier, breaking the routine and taking your team out of auto-pilot mode is the key to encouraging them to perform their best.
If your office is usually quiet, think about curating a playlist that everyone can enjoy to create a more lively atmosphere. Jazz, classical and lo-fi are great background alternatives as well!
Set up a daily inspirational quote board in a common area for your team to write and see for themselves.
Conclude the week with a 'good vibes' wrap-up where everyone shares one positive thing they accomplished during the week. Just like starting off on a positive note, it's important to end on one too!
Whether you're part of a small team or working in a larger office, encouragement is a powerful form of motivation that everyone can benefit from. While everyone has their own unique sources of inspiration, a little extra support can go a long way in boosting morale and performance.
Learn how to foster optimism to drive business success! Read more here!
Author: Gary Wong
How do you like to motivate your team members the most?
Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
Want to receive more informative content like this?
Sign up for our monthly newsletter today!
About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and is a proud member of People First Economy and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We help businesses thrive. By improving our client's sales over 60%, reducing their expenses and boosting their engagement by 40% or more, we enable our clients to refocus on what they love.
Email us at info@stingrayadvisorygroup.com to schedule a consultation. Follow us today on
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more helpful tips!
To learn more, visit us at www.stingrayadvisorygroup.com
