Redfive International asks: Why is team member motivation so important to your business?

Jan. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Redfive international understands the significance of motivating your team in this down economy, surely now it is more vital than ever to push your team and have them want to succeed, rather than merely pass the time at work, watching the clock.

Redfive international realises that a motivated team member is a productive team member. And a productive team member is a more profitable team member. When people aren't motivated, they become less productive, less creative, less of an asset to your company, and at times they become a distraction and lead others down the same path. Redfive international believes that now more than ever, we need motivated team members!

For Redfive International the answer to "why is team member motivation important?" is simple: it’s so we can stay in business. With that understanding Redfive international share some ways to get your team members motivated, enthused, and ready to go conquer the world:

First, motivate yourself.
Have you ever worked for a grouch? I know I have...on more than one occasion, as a matter of fact. Talk about a de-motivator! It's hard to feel good about your job if your boss is stressed out, disinterested, and/or unmotivated.

However, one of the truest statements ever made is that enthusiasm is contagious. (Oh, by the way, the opposite is true as well.) If your team members see that you're enthusiastic about your business, they are more likely to be enthusiastic about theirs.

And so for Redfive international one of the first steps to learning why team motivation is important is to find out what motivates you and then make sure you're doing it on a regular basis. Are you motivated by money? Extra time off? Praise and recognition? Just because you're the boss doesn't mean you shouldn't be rewarded! Chances are good that many of the things that motivate you will answer the question of why is team motivation important.

Understand what motivates your team
Redfive international urges you to remember that main answer to why is team motivation important is so you can stay in business. Therefore, before you can understand why team motivation is important, you must understand what motivates them individually.

Different people are motivated by different things: money, success, recognition, popularity, status, career development, health, balance, and learning. Redfive international recommends that you use this list as a starting point to develop your own "motivational" list, and ask each of your team members to check the things that are important to them. Once they do this, sit down with each person to discuss their motivational factors and design a reward program that is specific to each individual psyche.

Obviously, there are many ways to tangibly reward your team, but a few which Redfive International has found work well are as follows:

·         Certificates

·         Trophies

·         Pin badges

·         Public Praise

·         Group outings for most valued team members

·         Team member of the week photo frame

·         Bonus incentive

·         Choice of favourite restaurant reward

Make your employees feel rewarded, recognized, and appreciated.
At Redfive International retaining a team member is possible through appreciation. Never underestimate the value of simply saying "thank you." Redfive International believes in being consistent and fair with rewards, recognition and praise, otherwise it will have a de-motivating effect on your staff.

Vigorously manage your weak performers.
This is a great illustration of why is team motivation important. Have you ever heard of the 20-60-20 % rule? Basically, it states that if most companies took the time to rate the performance of their members, they'd find their team divide into three categories:

1) 20 % strong performers,

2) 60 % average performers,

3) 20 %weak performers.

Although average and strong performers make up 80 % of a business' workforce, it's the 20 % segment of weak performers that can bring down the performance level of the entire group. Why is team motivation important? Because apathy and negativity drag everyone down - two qualities weak performers have in abundance. When you allow the weak performers to "get away" with weak performance, the message you send the other 80 % of your workforce is that excellence isn't expected.

Redfive international recommends that you manage them very closely. First, make sure everyone in your company understands their role and what you expect of them provide a standard by which you can measure performance. Decide if your weak performer is weak because he doesn't understand the job, or isn't suited for the job. Additional training may be required, or you may need to move him to a different position to which he is better suited. If neither of these methods works - or if you decide your weak link just doesn't have a good work ethic - you may simply have to fire him. One of the most dangerous things you can do is to keep a habitual non-performer on board. It's one of the quickest ways I know to mire your company in mediocrity. But if you get rid of your non-performer, you will send a message to other non-performers that they better clean up their act, while prodding other team members to aim even higher.

Redfive international consistently conducts regular performance reviews, which sends them a couple of messages: 1) you are paying attention, and 2) they will be measured against how they perform. When you show your workforce that you value good work and won't tolerate poor work, you raise the bar across the performance levels. Your team members are vindicated, your average workers are motivated, and your non-performers are eliminated.

Allow your team to express themselves.
People like to believe their opinions matter...that they matter. A key motivator  is to be able to have their opinions and ideas taken seriously. Do you encourage your team to express ideas and offer suggestions - even if their feedback isn't always easy to hear? If you don't, you might want to rethink that.

Challenge your team to greatness.
The best way to build a great company is to motivate your team to be great themselves. Encourage your members to continue growing and developing their skills and talents so they can be and do everything they want to. Inspire them to achieve their goals. Let them know that opportunities are limitless!

Create a positive environment.
Have you ever walked into an office where you could just feel the bad vibes floating all over the place? The receptionist is frowning, the owner is scowling...heck, even the cleaner looks miserable.

If you want to motivate your workforce, you need to promote an atmosphere that exudes positive energy. Make sure all your team know they are important, valued members of a successful business. Always discourage gossip among your peers, and never engage in it yourself. Keep your office doors open and keep yourself approachable, and encourage all your managers to do the same. The more positive your environment, the more motivated and productive your workforce will be.

Don't be afraid to have fun.
All work and no play...you know the rest. One of the best ways to motivate is to set work aside for a bit and just let everyone have fun

Redfive International recognises that no matter what size your company, having a motivated workforce is critical to your success. And as we move through these tough economic times, it's more important than ever.