Rejuvenating your Organization - Aug 2008

In times of uncertainty within organizations, we sometimes stop sharing and relying on our co-workers, and instead we isolate when we really should be pulling together as a team.

We often forget that employees are human beings not human doings, and we shouldn’t expect them to always function like accomplishment oriented machines. Employees also often feel stressed and overworked in a predominately bottom-line focused organization.

The lack of managerial skill in listening, using and developing employees’ ideas and capabilities combined with a bottom-line focus leads to low energy within organizations. Employees feel over-controlled, unappreciated and unfulfilled when their input is not used which can result in low motivation in the organization.

An often-cited concept in leadership material is the importance of unhurried moments. Times when managers are focused on the whole person not just their ability to contribute to the bottom line are key for enhancing motivation within the organization.

Employees are also highly motivated by having their ideas listened to and used. Peak motivation occurs when employees are listened to one-on-one and or in group or team settings. When employees’ ideas are acted on in the organization, goal alignment and enhanced motivation can occur.

Employees are also energized when there is a focus on individual, team and organizational skills and successes that are appreciated and celebrated within their organizations. I would hazard a guess that you can remember most instances in your organizational life when your work was appreciated, acknowledged or celebrated. These experiences are very motivating, energizing and memorable for us.

I have worked with managers to encourage them to align their head and heart so that they are able to engage their staff by recognizing bigger motivating factors. This alignment also helps managers reduce their own and employees stress levels. It enhances managers understanding of the importance of listening to, using and developing their employees’ contribution within the organization.

Most employees are energized and motivated by feeling:

  • Respected
  • Acknowledged
  • Supported
  • Helped
  • Trusted
  • Appreciated
  • Important
  • Special
  • Irreplaceable
  • Useful
  • Needed
  • Valued and Valuable

I facilitate a workshop entitled Stress and Energy Management where exercises are done to enhance appreciation, active listening, and head and heart alignment within an organizational context. The workshop and the coaching work I do help employees experience the positive feelings I have listed above.

Copyright © Mary-Ann Owens 2009
..:: Catalyst in Creating Peak Performing, Impactful and Resilient Leaders ::..