Improve your team's performance

1. Start by checking that you have the basics right – do people feel that they are fairly paid and that their job is secure? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then this needs to be tackled first.
2. Be clear about your objectives – a well planned motivation programme can improve performance, increase employee loyalty and improve customer experience. What are your short, medium and long term objectives?
3. Research your audience – what are their performance levels now, and what do you need them to be? How well do they understand your brand and direction? What motivates them and how is it best to communicate with them?
4. Ensure that the programme is supported by a strong communication plan – without this, the initial momentum of the launch will quickly be lost.
5. Beware of sub-branding motivation programmes – recent research has shown that in today’s communication age, this can confuse an audience. Instead, applying your company’s brand principles to the programme clarifies the message and strengthens the overall brand message.
6. Do not underestimate the power of recognition on the performance and motivation of a team. Capitalise on this by building in regular opportunities for management and peers to recognise a job well done through team meetings.
7. When thinking about how to reward, find out first what would motivate the team and plan accordingly. Increasingly, people are looking for reward choice and flexibility.
8. Travel remains the top motivator, but if overseas destinations exceed budget, look for opportunities in the UK.
9. In addition, look for opportunities to add networking, business learning and rewards to existing company events to make best use of budgets.
10. Finally, regularly measure the effectiveness of what you are doing through employee feedback and key performance indicators. This will keep you in touch with how things are going, and enable you to continually improve the programme as it develops.

Blueprint specialises in the development and delivery of effective performance improvement and motivation programmes. For more information call Kirsty Dean on 07500 040259 or email kirsty@blueprintpartners.com