Every practice has its ups and downs, but sometimes the energy of your team can hit a serious slump. When your intuition kicks in and you know you need to boost your team’s morale, these three techniques may help turn the tide.
Set a Positive Example
Have you been contributing to the negative energy in your firm? Try reflecting on your recent mood, your decisions and the guidance you may have offered team members. Are you setting the stage for positive outcomes? Energy of any sort can rub off on your team and become contagious. When you exude warmth, positivity and generosity, your team will take notice.
As a business owner, there will always be stressors and difficult decisions to make, but try not to let those elements infect your team.
Check in to Identify Challenges
Have you tried getting to the bottom of what might be bugging members of your team? Many owners fear the answers they’ll get if they ask too many questions. However, this head-in-the-sand approach only ignores the issues, rather than mitigating them.
In fact, team members will appreciate your willingness to engage in constructive conversations and for checking in with them to see how you might help them tackle any troubling issues.
Just remember, don’t punish their honesty if they potentially have criticisms of you as a leader. Take their insights in stride, and use them to your advantage in getting your team’s attitude to improve.
Embrace an Attitude of Gratitude
Watch carefully for opportunities to earnestly applaud members of your team for positive efforts. And be specific in your praise. When someone goes above and beyond to help a client, improve an internal procedure, or pitch in to assist another employee, show your appreciation for their contributions.
This recognition, particularly in front of others, can be an infectious way to bring more positivity to your office. It’s amazing what a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” can do to boost employee engagement.
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