We’re in the 6th month of WFH, and some teams are starting to feel the pain. (FYI – I’m constantly hearing about motivation issues)

How’s your team doing?

According to new research. The pandemic workday is a different beast:

• We’re working 48 minutes longer.
• We’re attending more meetings with more people.
• And, we’re sending (and receiving) more email.
• [UPSIDE] – The additional meetings are shorter.

As a leader, you need to keep experimenting with different solutions to see how you can help your team sustain forward momentum. Today I’m sharing three that work well.
​

Experiment #1: Offer to reprioritize

Successful employees strongly agree with the following statements:

My manager helps me set work priorities ✅
My manager helps me set performance goals ✅

We have years of data that proves employees whose managers help them set priorities and goals are more productive.

​I encourage you to meet with your employee and go through their priorities not in a micro-managey way but in a “Lets-look-at-it-together-way can be cathartic.

​
​

Experiment #2: Offer more control

One effective motivation strategy is giving your employees more autonomy and control over their day. Experimenting with simple questions like the following will go a long way.

• Does our current 1:1 time still work?
• What would you like to change about your current work schedule?
• Are there any projects you need me to step out?

Agency over our lives is a powerful drug. When our bosses step up and give us more autonomy – we get a boost of motivation.

BTW – Please keep doing your 1:1s with your managers. The following data is showing 1:1s are decreasing the time employees are spending at work (Increased efficiency)

​

​
Experiment #3: Optimize for quick wins

If your employee is struggling, try giving them tasks that come with quick wins. You’ll be surprised how a word of encouragement and praise can get them going again. If you see something good, say something good.

Encouragement remains undefeated in the workplace.

​

Your employees want help and coaching more than ever before. These experiments are worth your time. You have nothing to lose.

Good luck,