Creating a culture is an important part of any business. Employees want to feel valued, respected, challenged, and like an integral part of the team. If the culture that exists is not one that is positive and motivating, employees may become disinterested or dissatisfied with their job and this can lead to poorer performance and productivity. With the right environment in place, they are happier, more productive, and driven by not only personal success, but the company’s success. But how can managers and leaders help cultivate a positive and stimulating culture?

Provide Positive Feedback

Recognize when employees are doing a good job. This should include both individual success and team accomplishments. While public recognition can be valuable, personal praise is as well. Oftentimes leaders have a tendency of speaking up when something is going wrong, rather than focusing on what is going right as well. Employees begin to realize that when the boss comes around, it usually isn’t a good thing. Change this perception by making it a point to give positive feedback. If a situation does need to be addressed, provide constructive criticism that will help the employee to grow and improve in their performance. Give them the support and encouragement necessary to make changes.

Be Genuine

Don’t force a compliment simply for the sake of saying something positive. Employees can tell when generic recognition is not genuine. Focus on specific achievements or strengths. This can make feedback more meaningful and show that you are aware of what is going on and paying attention. Pointing out the extra effort an employee has put forth, or their attention to detail on a project can make them feel more valued and appreciated. They know that their hard work is not being overlooked. Ensure that feedback and praise are given in a timely manner.

Play to Employee Strengths

Create teams that build upon each person’s strengths. Delegate tasks that allow employees to use the skills they have and continue expanding on them. Present them with work that is challenging but not to the level of being frustrating or where they feel they won’t succeed. If work becomes too easy or monotonous and employees feel as though they are not maximizing their potential, it can show in their performance.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to recognize the strengths of team members and use them most effectively. You can also talk with individuals to see if there are projects or areas they are interested in becoming more involved in. Additional training and development may be what they need (and are looking for) to take them to the next level in their career and help them enhance their skills. This can also allow them to be a more valuable member of the team and elevate business success.

Make Work Meaningful

Keep employees informed about project progress and status. They should know the purpose and goal of tasks that they are working on. If they don’t see any value in it or understand how it relates to the bigger picture, it can seem less important. Knowing how they fit in and their role in completing projects can give them more ownership over and accountability for their work. Each team member should feel as though they are integral to success.

If you want to maximize performance and productivity and motivate employees to put forth their best, JP Kantor Consulting can give you the guidance you need. We will work with you to evaluate the current culture of your business and implement strategies and changes to make it more positive and motivating. Create an environment where your employees are excited to come to work and see value in their contributions. Contact JP Kantor Consulting today to enhance your business through exceptional consulting, management training, executive coaching, and professional development services.