Employee management is an ever-evolving practice, one where expectations and effective solutions continue to change. For a long time, managers have relied upon rewards and punishments, upon carrots and sticks, to control their employees. However, more and more employees are responding negatively to this philosophy, and thoughtful leaders are now understanding that true motivation comes from within, fueled by qualities such as autonomy, purpose, and growth. So, let’s delve into why the traditional philosophy of externalized rewards and punishments is outdated and why you should consider how to foster internalized motivation to drive enduring performance and success.
Empowerment Beats Control
Traditional management has long centered around the idea of micromanagement, a practice that we’ve criticized several times, if mainly because it tends to make managers less effective as they do everyone else’s jobs besides their own. Just as worrying, micromanagement also stifles employee creativity and damages morale. Instead, good leaders should empower their employees with greater autonomy and decision-making authority to give them a sense of ownership for their work. Employees should derive a sense of responsibility and pride when it comes to their contributions, rather than feel like cogs in a machine. Moreover, this kind of autonomy fosters a culture of innovation and accountability within the business.
Community and Belonging
We’re inherently social creatures, no matter what the most cantankerous among us claims. Consequently, the meaningful connections we forge within our social circles, including those at work, matter to our wellbeing. A forward-thinking leader should encourage a sense of community and belonging within the workplace to build trust and collaboration. Celebrate shared success and create an environment where employees are valued and supported. This enhanced community not only generates motivation, it also cultivates a positive company culture that will attract and retain top talent.
Coach, Don’t Command
Dictating from on-high will achieve little in today’s work environment. Modern leaders should embrace coaching as a means to guide and support their employees as individuals and allow them to leverage their strengths and pursue meaningful goals. By providing mentorship rather than dictatorship, you will empower your employees to unlock their full potential. Feedback and developmental opportunities are key; employees should feel invested in their personal and professional growth, which will drive sustained performance and success for your company as a whole.
Learn to Lead
Modern workplace dynamics are complex. Before tackling new and better ways to manage, we must let go of outdated notions about how we motivate our employees. To truly unlock their potential, we must cultivate a culture of intrinsic motivation—of autonomy, purpose, and growth. You should start by checking out Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work…and What Does by Susan Fowler, from whom many of these ideas are derived. Next, you should recognize that you need a fresh and objective perspective to help you evaluate and improve your leadership and training processes. The Brandt Group is here to provide you with invaluable insights and guidance as you transition from outmoded ideals, like control, to innovative ideals, like nurture. Together, let’s propel your company towards lasting success by empowering your employees to thrive and build something of which you can all be proud. Our world-class leadership training, employee feedback tools, and mystery shopping services await.
