Most leaders think that praising their employees is a form of encouragement. However, it isn’t. Encouragement can increase the chances of success of an employee when done well. Encouragement revolves around providing feedback that focuses on improvement or effort instead of specific outcomes.
On the other hand, praise is given to an individual who has already achieved success. The ability to encourage others during difficult times or when there is no progress is an art and science.
1. Encourage them to seek help
One of the best ways to start the process of encouraging an employee is by asking the question, “How can I help?” You need to have excellent observational skills to time this simple and powerful question. Read business articles on best essay writing service uk, listen attentively and be on the lookout for any changes in the choice of words, behavior, or body language.
All these will give you a hint when an employee is frustrated or discouraged. In most cases, all they’ll need is to talk through the situation and have someone listen attentively to the things they are going through.
2. Be a coach to help them discover the choices they have
If an employee is stuck and is not moving forward to achieve the set goals, they’ll start experiencing stress and frustration. When you have spotted a frustrated employee, start by reinforcing the confidence that you have in them based on their skills, accomplishments, and behaviors. Start by asking them questions that will help them solve their problems.
3. Recognize small incremental achievements
These achievements include mastering a skill or changing a behavior. Achievements are not tasks that demonstrate any change. Most managers take small wins for granted and fail to recognize employees who are making progress toward the big goals. Managers should recognize the positive change to help their employees figure out what they need to do. Never wait for the big wins. Instead, recognize small wins.
4. Thank your employees
One of the most overlooked practices in leadership is thanking and praising workers more times than providing feedback that requires them to change their behaviors or make adjustments. There will be times when work effort will not equate to the expected results. This will be your opportunity to thank them for their efforts and remind them that they haven’t unlocked their potential.
5. Have confidence in them
You should avoid keeping encouragement behind closed doors while practicing it. You need to take the opportunity to practice it during the workday so that others can learn from you.
Share your team members’ small wins with everyone and ask others to recognize their achievements. As time passes by, your team will form the habit of recognizing the contributions of other people and encourage them to perform better.
6. Assign stretch assignments
Stretch assignments are designed to:
- Build the strength of an employee
- Help the employee move towards the direction of the organization’s objectives
- Develop or improve their skills
- Provide a high level of visibility
Stretch assignments should be matched with the ideal employee to help them achieve their objectives and advance in their careers.
7. Let others recognize them
You need to become your employees’ advocate. Sharing their achievements and telling other workers how their work has helped the business move closer to its vision or improved the organization’s values is essential.
External encouragement is key. If they have done amazing work, you need to be on the lookout for opportunities to congratulate and nominate them for various awards. Local magazines and newspapers usually look for stories of workers who have accomplished big goals.
You can also hold office parties or events and announce your best-performing employees in public. By doing this, they’ll be encouraged to work harder and better. Plus, their colleagues will be inspired them and follow in their footsteps.
Conclusion
You should include encouragement in your organization’s culture if you want to achieve your goals easily and quickly. When you practice encouragement, your employees will encourage each other. And this will boost their productivity and performance in the long run. How do you plan on encouraging your employees today?