Non-monetary Motivational Strategies
What can managers do to motivate employees given the additional federal restrictions with elimination of the "safe harbors"?
Admissions definitely has its ups and downs.
Janel,
Knowing employees well leads to a healthy work culture. Having employees train together and work in teams creates a positive synergy. When employees know each other well, they seldom fight and criticize fellow workers.
Cindy Bryant
I am the type of person who takes the time to understand how each of my coworkers minds work. Ultimately that's how I learn to work with others. Now that I have been at this job for over a year I understand each one of them quite well. Motivation for myself would be that all of my work experience is going to boost my marketability. The sky is the limit to opportunities and the harder I work to enroll students the easier it will become. Other people in my office would like to receive an object of appreciation or motivation such as a certificate for a job well done or employee of the week or something. Others like a pat on the back and some would rather nothing at all. Everyone is different. I think that taking the time to know who you work with and what gets them motivated is very important!
Jennifer,
Understanding the individuals on your team is the first step to becoming an effective manager. Once you understand what makes your staff members feel appreciated you know what to do to keep them motivated.
Cindy Bryant
First of all managers need to make sure they have the right staff on board and have a true passion for helping others reach their educational goals. It's imperative that the manager knows how each team member likes to be recognized. I know at our insitution we had a day trainging on learning the on individual motivating factors.
Provide examples on how they can positively change a life. How if you do the right thing by the student, they will be grateful to you.
During training, provide lunch and treats, fun games, and team building skills
Managers can emphasize new benchmarks that can affect compensation like punctuality, certain skill set etc... This will help staff improve their performance and motivate them to function and achieve goals in an more professional and ethical manner.
We meet every other Friday and we to as a team make it very motivational. We provide breakfast and then a nice lunch for all staff. We Try to make all staff feel special for that.
Cynthia,
Graduation celebrations are a great way to bring faculty and staff together and spotlight the supportive efforts of everyone in association with the college.
Cindy Bryant
My best motivation is attending graduation and seeing my student become successful in their future endeavors and succeed in life knowing I had a little part in their success.
Focus on the idea of doing what is BEST for the student. Knowing that you helped a student's future even if they did not enroll. Creating a positive place when a "Way to go" goes a long way!!
This is what we also do at my school. It helps recognize everyone for their hard work in a tough industry.
Josh,
Thank you for joining the forum. One of my most cherished career "rewards" is a personal note that was handwritten by the CEO of the company. A few words go a long way. :)
Cindy Bryant
Jessica,
Being recognized for a job well done is a strong motivator. People strive for respect and recognition.
Cindy Bryant
That's exactly what happens at the school that we work for. Admissions is a very hard and emotonal position so little this like great job goes a long way
There are some simple ways to motivate people in a leadership role. As simple as verbal or written recognition can go a long way and being specific around what behaviors we are praising to encourage the repeat of those behaviors. Keeping a focus on the student and why we exist as an institution can be encouraged through daily activities and student conversations. Look for those positive behaviors and praise immediately. People will start to notice what you are recognizing and want to be a part of that crowd.
Positive feedback and recognition are the ways that our organization motivates employees.
Employees typically do not leave companies; they leave managers. Institutions can provide training to managers to understand what motivates employees and provide non-monetary incentives unique to that individual. Things such as training, team meetings, individual one-on-ones, career development, flex time, building relationships within the team members, job rotation and/or enrichment might be a few non-monetary incentives. Also training managers on providing servant leadership environments.
Now that more rules on compliance have been developed. the best one can do is push your employees but praise them for all the good work they do.
