If things are not going well, people and workplaces can become demotivated. However, this can also be an opportunity to refocus and get closer as a team together and with customers. Working together can help youclarify your direction and open up those opportunities for personal development and communication.

Consider how you can engage with your staff to enhance productivity and results. Motivation naturally flows from a good leader.

Pause to reflect

Think about your own attitude to your role. Are you worried about the business and your workload? Is this perhaps overshadowing your motivational role as a manager and leader?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I interact with the team?
• Does my mood change often?
• How often do I bring exciting news?
• How frequently do I say “thank you” to team members?

Make notes of any particular actions you will take a result of this self reflection.

Further reading

• MacLeod, Dand Clarke, N. Engaging for Success: enhancing performance through employee engagement. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, London: 2009
• Chartered Institute of Personnel Development
• Mind Tools.