Sure…there are common meetings and moments where everyone needs to be physically present at the same time. But the idea that everyone has to work at the same place at the same time 40 hours a week becomes more outdated by the month.
Many white-collar organizations, businesses and non-profits operate as though the internet never happened.
15 years ago you had to go to the office because everything you needed to do your job was at the office—the computer, filing cabinets, the database, and even the office phone system.
Now, all of that is sitting in your hand or on your laptop. Smart employers realize that.
You used to go to the office. Now the office goes to you.
Younger leaders understand that and want the freedom and trust to be able to flex in their work schedule.
When you give great leaders freedom, most will give you back far more than you expected in return.
Control them, and not only do you stifle them. They eventually just leave.
Want to motivate your team? Give them some freedom and flexibility.
2. GRATITUDE VS A PAY RAISE
Most people feel under-appreciated at work.
There’s an actual debate online about whether bosses should thank their employees for doing their job. Personally, I don’t even know how that’s a debate.
Of course you should thank people for doing a job well. Sure, you don’t want to be syrupy sweet or reward under-performers, but if someone showed up, tried hard or is doing a good job—thank them.
It’s a good idea to think about how people like to be appreciated. In this interview, Gary Chapman makes a strong case that the five love languages actually apply at work.
While you have to be (very) careful with physical touch, verbally thanking people whose love language is words of affirmation, buying a gift for someone who loves gifts, making more time for a team member who appreciates quality time or doing something meaningful for someone who’s love language is acts of service can really go a long way toward increasing employee loyalty and performance.
Gratitude from a leader improves the attitude of the team.
3. EMPOWERMENT VS A PAY RAISE
Empowering your team is one of the best ways to motivate your team AND reduce your stress as a leader at the same time.
One of the reasons leaders struggle is because too many decisions still cross their desk. If that’s happening to you, it’s a sure sign your team isn’t empowered enough.
At the same time, one of the great demotivating factors for team members is the feeling that they aren’t empowered enough to do their jobs.
