Why do many leaders fail when it comes to motivating their team members? The answer often lies in neglecting the individual needs and aspirations of their team. Business success is a team sport, and a motivated team is the foundation of that success. In this article, nine industry experts reveal their top strategies for inspiring and energizing their teams. 

How To Keep Your Team Motivated?

Cristina Imre
CEO & Co-Founder at Aecho

Motivating a team is much like preparing a fine dining experience—it requires all the right ingredients to achieve perfection. Just as a chef needs quality ingredients to create a flawless meal, a team needs the proper tools and resources to be productive and deliver their best work. By providing the essentials and creating the right environment especially in small businesses, leaders can set the foundation for a motivated and high-performing team.

Axel Hernborg
CEO of Tripplo

A motivated and inspired team is essential for achieving great results for small businesses. One effective way to foster this motivation is by providing consistent positive feedback and rewarding team members for their hard work. Expressing gratitude and acknowledging their dedication goes a long way, but don’t stop at a simple “nice job.” Instead, detail how their efforts have specifically benefited the company. This deeper recognition not only shows appreciation but also encourages team members to strive for even better results.

Moshes Law
CEO of Moshe’s Law Firm in New York

To keep a team motivated, leaders need to implement a variety of strategies that cater to both personal and professional growth. These might include offering additional rewards and incentives, as well as actively supporting team members in achieving their individual and collective goals. Focus on ncouraging collaboration and teamwork is crucial, as it ensures each member contributes to the single source success of a project. By creating a friendly and supportive business environment, leaders can cultivate a culture of motivation and shared achievement.

Loren Howard
Real Estate Investor
Founder Of Prime Plus Mortgages

The most effective way to keep a team motivated is through mentoring and coaching. Taking the time to work one-on-one with team members allows them to unlock their creativity and enhance their productivity. Leaders should also be willing to invest in their team’s personal development and growth, demonstrating a commitment to their success. This not only builds stronger individuals but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and motivation.

Hamna Amjad
Outreach Manager of Physicians Thrive

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on businesses worldwide, and the likelihood of returning to a pre-pandemic “normal” in the near future remains slim. As a result, keeping teams engaged and motivated has become more critical than ever. Here are three effective strategies to achieve this:

WELLNESS PROGRAM:

Investing in corporate wellness programs is essential to help employees manage stress and maintain a positive outlook. Such programs not only promote mental and physical well-being but also boost team engagement and contribute to business growth. A healthy and happy workforce is more likely to stay motivated and productive.

GROUP ACTIVITIES:

Organizing social events and team-building activities can foster stronger bonds among team members. These group activities provide an opportunity for employees to connect, have fun, and build camaraderie. A team that enjoys working together is naturally more cohesive and satisfied, which translates into better collaboration and morale.

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION:

Make sure every team member feels recognized for their hard work. Recognizing their hard work will greatly increase their engagement. Don't forget to highlight the importance of their role in business growth.

Team leaders should establish an employee recognition program to ensure team members feel valued. Offering bonuses or thoughtful gifts when employees go the extra mile demonstrates appreciation and reinforces their contributions. This simple gesture can significantly boost morale, engagement, and loyalty within the team.

Jared Pobre
Co-Founder of Caldera + Lab

One of the best ways to motivate your team members is by encouraging active participation and engagement in decision-making processes. Allow team members to share their ideas during meetings and create a safe space for open dialogue. Additionally, using tools like suggestion box apps can provide an anonymous outlet for employees to voice concerns and offer constructive feedback. When team members feel heard and valued, their motivation and commitment to the team naturally increase.

Shaunak Amin
Co-founder and CEO of Snack Magic

Today’s workforce is a blend of remote, hybrid, and in-house staff. Gone are the days when people go to the office from 9 am to 5 pm. To attract and retain top talent, it’s crucial to recognize and reward your team’s efforts. Incentives like swag, snack boxes, gift cards, or other thoughtful rewards can make a significant impact. A culture of recognition not only boosts morale but also strengthens your company’s reputation as a great place to work, making it more appealing to job seekers.

Pavel Stepanov
CEO of Virtudesk

Motivating a team involves a variety of strategies, and one of the most effective is recognizing and rewarding employees' efforts. By showing team members how their contributions make a difference and are appreciated, you foster a sense of purpose and pride in their work. Beyond recognition, encouraging collaboration is key. Team members should feel connected and aligned in their goals, working together as a cohesive unit. Activities like product quizzes or setting clear KPIs for weekly or monthly goals can promote a sense of accomplishment and unity, reinforcing the power of teamwork.

As a leader, your role is to guide and inspire. Be a supportive figure who leads by example, offering kind words and constructive feedback to help team members navigate challenges. Simple gestures, such as a heartfelt “Thank You” note, can have a profound impact on morale. Being approachable and showing genuine care for your team not only brightens their day but also strengthens their trust and appreciation for you as a leader. Strong leadership built on encouragement and respect creates a motivated and thriving team.

Rae Danielson
HR & Operations Director

Building strong relationships with your team members is the foundation for motivation and collaboration. By fostering an environment where team members feel valued and supported, you encourage open communication and trust. Being approachable and friendly allows your team to share their ideas and concerns without fear, creating a culture of transparency and inclusivity. This sense of connection boosts morale and makes employees more engaged and committed to their work.

Recognizing your team’s efforts with thoughtful gestures can further enhance motivation. Consider allowing teammates to have fully paid days off, delivering lunch to their door, or surprising them with gift cards or cash bonuses. Celebrating personal milestones, such as birthdays and anniversaries, shows that you value them as individuals beyond their professional roles. Acts of kindness and appreciation not only improve job satisfaction but also build loyalty and strengthen the bond between you and your team, ultimately fostering a productive and positive work environment for each person.

How to motivate your team?

Be a friend, not only a boss.
Encourage your team members to talk to you about their ideas and goals.
Show concern about their health, happiness, families, and friends.
In return, they will respect and honour you.
Also, they will be productive.
A little empathy & kindness can go a long way for you and your business greater success.

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Wrapping Up

Motivating a team is a multifaceted challenge, but as these nine experts deeper dive into the idea, it is achievable with the right strategies. From fostering open communication and providing recognition to offering wellness programs and personal development opportunities, business ventures actually have a variety of tools to inspire their teams. The common thread across all advice is the importance of valuing employees as individuals and creating an environment where they feel appreciated and supported.

By implementing these expert-recommended practices in your company, leaders can cultivate a motivated, engaged, and high-performing team members. Whether it’s through small gestures like thank-you notes or larger initiatives like mentoring and wellness programs, the effort to motivate your team will not only drive success in operations but also create a workplace culture where everyone thrives. The power of a motivated team is immeasurable—it’s the foundation for innovation, collaboration, and long-term business growth.