Motivation: It Starts with You

How many of you can admit to falling into a rut in your job? If you haven’t, either you’ve got a terrific business model and support or you’re fooling yourself. As we enter the last month of summer, we thought this would be a perfect time to offer some suggestions on how to motivate your staff - and even yourself.

1. INSPIRE

Inspiration is critical to getting, and staying motivated. If you or your staff aren’t interested in your business, the motivation level will never be high and you won't be able to sustain interest for very long. Through positive communication and reinforcement, your staff will be energized and excited about the work you are doing, and the families you are helping. You have the opportunity to make your work fun, engaging and rewarding, especially for your staff. Strive towards the goal of making sure people enjoy coming to work.

2. SET GOALS

Short and long-term goal setting is vital for any business owner. This keeps you directed and focused. With so many daily outside influences, it can be very difficult to stay on task without these goals. This goes for your team as well. Maintain short-term and long-term checklists and hold short but productive staff meetings that make everyone accountable. With a clear goal and guidance, it’s much easier to create motivation that results in success.

3. NETWORK

Another key component in getting and staying motivated is networking with other small business owners. Regardless of occupation, connecting gives you context when sharing similar issues and challenges. At the same time, those conversations provide valuable advice, solutions and emotional support when needed. Encourage your staff to network as well, whether this be a service organization or young professionals group. Sharing ideas, expertise and experience is an invaluable aspect of networking groups.

4. REWARD YOURSELF

Hard work is a commendable trait but it can also sap your motivation if you don’t step away from it, time to time. Your motivation will soon begin to fail if you never take any time away from the demands of the business. Plan frequent rewards for yourself, however small they may be. This may be as simple as a lunch out with an old friend, a matinee with your significant other, an afternoon of shopping or walk in the park. You need to get away, unwind and renew yourself. This "down" time to regenerate will help improve your attitude and perspective. Believe it or not, you will come back with a new sense of motivation.

5. REFUSE TO SIT

While I’m not referring specifically to exercise (that’s a good thing, also), I’m talking about your business. There’s an old adage, ‘if you’re sitting still, you’re falling behind.’ Challenge yourself and staff to look for ways to improve, grow and become more efficient. This may include products or services, your facility, marketing or daily tasks. Schedule staff meetings that allow interaction and sharing of ideas. Allow everyone to feel invested in the business.

6. ORGANIZE

One can’t goal-set and expect to reach those goals without being organized. When staff know and can trust the direction of the company and its organization, the buy-in and comfort level is much higher. IN turn, this helps create a more positive culture of a company, an all-important element to motivation.

KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING

Motivation is what moves us forward in our daily and business lives. It challenges us and keeps us on point. Take the time to examine your motivating methods and use some of the fore mentioned keys to improve your focus and renew your enthusiasm.

Now, it’s up to you to take that information and apply it to your own life and business. If done well and consistently, you will begin to see results!