I’m going to state the obvious here: Teams are made up of people.

If we want our teams to work well, we need to remember that.

We need to know how to motivate people. And we have to know the people we’re trying to motivate or we won’t get that part right.

Imagine if everyone felt valued, supported, and motivated. There’d be teamwork, collaboration, engagement, innovation, growth, continuous improvement. Quality!

That’s literally what can happen if you get the people piece right.

It’s not rocket science. It’s way easier. And way harder, if you’ve already decided that all of this fluffy, touchy-feely, people stuff is silly.

Humour me and just try and be open to this:

1️⃣ Start with Appreciation: Acknowledge the efforts and achievements of your team. We’re not talking about a grand parade and marching band; just a simple “thank you” or a genuine compliment can make someone’s day and boost individual confidence or team morale. Celebrate individual and team successes, both big and small, to create a culture of appreciation. Yay us!

2️⃣ Encourage Open Communication: Effective communication forms the bedrock of any successful team. Does everyone feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback? Encourage active listening, empathy, and respect. Model open dialogue. This is how we uncover valuable insights, improve collaboration, and address challenges head-on.

3️⃣ Foster Growth Opportunities: Support everyone’s professional and personal development. Offer training programs, mentorship, and opportunities to learn new skills. Encourage individuals to set goals and provide resources to get them there. They’ll feel more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work.

4️⃣ Promote Work-Life Balance: We all have lives beyond work. Make sure they know that you recognize that. Respect personal boundaries, provide flexibility where you can, and encourage self-care. If people bring their best selves to work, everyone benefits. Better productivity, better bottomline, and greater job satisfaction.

5️⃣ Lead by Example: Set the tone as a leader. Be positive, have integrity, and show empathy. Be approachable, supportive, and inspire others. When we demonstrate these qualities, we create a ripple effect. Try it and see.

Small gestures can have a big impact!