Bringing in the new year is an opportunity to make positive changes to motivate your employees to reach their goals. Take small steps to implement changes in your work environment that will increase productivity in 2011.
The New Year has always been an inspiration for most people to set "New Year's Resolutions." These give everyone an opportunity to start-over, try new things, and make whatever improvements we feel is necessary in our lives. Why not apply the same principals to your office staff? What a great time for managers to make New Year's Resolutions for their teams.
The reason most New Year's Resolutions fail is because most people don't make a plan to succeed. Dramatic changes to your routine should not be expected to happen suddenly. It's important to remember that any changes must be taken in small gradual steps. There’s a quote by Cicero that says “the beginnings of all things are small.”
Consider the changes you want to make to get the year started off in a positive direction for increased motivation and productivity. For example, you may want to change the way your meetings are conducting which may include team building activities, or perhaps you want to alter the configuration of your office space. Plan to make the changes over the coming weeks and months. Of course, you aren't going to overwhelm yourself or your employees by making too many changes too quickly. Small steps to change are the key, even though this is the time of year when people are the most receptive to change. There is an element of excitement and inspiration present when employees feel they have an opportunity for a fresh start to reach their professional goals. Your employees will work their hardest at the year’s start because all of the promise of reaching goals is before them. Take advantage of their enthusiasm by fanning the flames of a new beginning. This is also the time of year when you get to be a cheerleader instead of a watchdog. Motivating employees is a part of the job description of any manager. Some people love this part of their job, while others shy away from it. There are many benefits of encouraging your staff. If you encourage them enough it will help keep them on track, and you’ll have less watchdog activities during the third quarter.
This is the time to offer your employees training seminars, and make recommendations for change. They will be open to hearing what you suggest because they are willing to make improvements to get off to a better start for the New Year. Use this time to implement regular motivating team meetings, weekly conference calls, monthly one-on-one meetings, open door policies, and fun office activities. Communicate your desire to have a happier workplace for them to come to everyday. Ask for suggestions from your staff. You'd be surprised what they'll say.
If you have a desire to make several changes in your office, stagger their implementation throughout the year. Perhaps implement a few small changes each quarter. If you have a small organization, a change in company culture can happen fairly quickly. If it's a large organizational culture change, you may not see the improvements you want for several years, so be patient.
Remember your employees want to succeed. This is the place where they spend the most time, and they want to enjoy their working experience.
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