Here are some of the actions that hold employees back and prevent them from becoming their most productive, creative, and positive. Of course, this is something that managers should avoid at all costs.
Compare employees with each other
Comparing employees with each other is unfair and will often create unhealthy competition among colleagues, leaving them uncomfortable and frustrated. Telling your employees how excellent their co-workers are or how their sales are the lowest on the team will only bring them down and force them to leave.
Everyone is different, they work differently, and for each person success can be defined in a completely unique way. There is a saying that goes, "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb, it will live its whole life believing it is a fool".
Make sure you evaluate your employees in a way that is fair and based on their own merits.
A demotivated employee can affect the entire team and create a negative atmosphere
Partial
Providing feedback only to certain employees or regularly rewarding an individual will create frustration among other members because they don't feel cared for. Not only that, but you will also create irresponsible and uninterested employees.
You should, of course, reward high-achieving employees and ensure that the best have plenty of opportunities to advance in their careers. But at the same time don't make other team members feel left out and they can't seem to satisfy you no matter how well they do.
Focus on mistakes
No one likes to be surrounded by negativity. Try to have a positive attitude and create a positive working environment. It's natural for people to make mistakes and you need to learn to forgive.
Instead of focusing on mistakes, try to focus on the accomplishments your team has accomplished, no matter how small. Don't focus on what happened, focus on what needs to be done next. This will ensure that your employees stay motivated and enthusiastic.
Control everything
Micromanaging and asking your employees for your approval for every step they want to take at work will leave them feeling more in control than necessary. No one would be motivated to work in such conditions.
Let employees have some freedom. Let them make their own creative decisions and be ready to support them when needed, you will be amazed at the results.
Underrated staff
Telling your employees that they are doing well but not as expected can significantly lower their self-esteem and will also lose motivation over time if you keep up the same attitude.
Give employees the praise they deserve. If you're going to compliment someone, try to highlight an aspect of them that is appreciated. If an employee needs improvement, be honest and above all give constructive feedback.
Change of plans spontaneously
It's impossible to be certain that there won't be a situation where you'll have to change your work schedule out of the blue, but there's a difference between changing for good reason and just because you want to. None of the staff liked that.
Once you want to change the plan, explain to employees why you have to do so, and brainstorm ideas on how they can continue without losing motivation.
Unrealistic goals
Last but not least, try not to set the bar too high. Setting unrealistic goals or targets does not make employees work harder, but instead, when they realize the goal is unattainable, they will give up trying and productivity will plummet.
On the other hand, if you set clear, achievable goals and regularly provide valuable encouragement, they'll know what's expected of them and they'll feel treated respectful and fair.
All in all, you can easily de-motivate employees if you're not careful with what you're saying or doing. Try to avoid making these mistakes and make sure everyone on your team is happy with their work environment. Doing these things will make your employees happy and want to stay longer.
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