An important role for a leader is motivating employees to do the best
job possible. There are many ways a leader can motivate employees,
and many of them do not require additional monetary compensation.
Sometimes motivation is brought about through creative means.
The Container Store, a Dallas-based retailer, offers its employees free
yoga classes, a personalized online nutrition diary, and a free monthly
chair massage. These techniques help relieve employee stress and
make workers feel appreciated. The company has ranked near the top
of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2000.
Open communication is also a key to motivating employees.
When employees feel that they will be listened to and managers openly
discuss matters with employees, a trusting relationship is created. At
Harley-Davidson’s headquarters executives don’t have doors on their
offices, creating an open, trusting environment.
Another method to motivate is to ensure that employees are
matched up with the right job. It is the leader’s job to learn what employees’
abilities and preferences are and match them accordingly to
tasks that utilize their skills and when possible match with their
preferences.
If a leader is a good role model, showing enthusiasm for his or
her work and pride in the company, this will positively affect employee
motivation.
At W. L. Gore, a salesperson’s motivation will come from the approval
of his or her peers. Compensation is based on rankings by the
sales team members. Further, the company bases monetary rewards or
bonuses on long-term growth and customer retention, unlike most
companies that base bonuses on the bottom line. Gore also presents a
Proud Octopus award trophy to employees who have performed “special
achievements” during the quarter.