How to Foster Self-Motivation in the Workplace

You may find it much easier to encourage self-motivation in the workplace than in school.

After all, everyone in the workplace is there because they chose to be there, not because they’re required to be there by the law or by their parents. Employees might have vastly disparate reasons for being at work, but it’s unlikely they were compelled to work for their specific organization against their will.

As a manager, there are many ways to foster self-motivation in the workplace, including:

1. Giving your employees one-on-one attention, feedback, and recognition;
2. Ensure your employees have opportunities for meaningful advancement as well as training and education opportunities;
3. Set the example in terms of tone, work ethic, and values. Be a role model for positivity, optimism, and hard work;
4. Cultivate an uplifting and motivating culture that encourages employees to want to do their best;
5. Foster socialization through teamwork and team-based activities, projects, and events;
6. Stay as transparent as possible and open yourself up to questions, concerns, and ideas from your employees. Implement an open-door policy to ensure your employees feel heard (DeMers, 2015).

Writers Nick Nanton and J. W. Dicks at Fast Company offer some further strategies to ensure that both you and your employees stay motivated:

1. Sell your mission statement to your team as you would to an investor. Ensure the people working to meet that mission understand it and buy into it;
2. Foster a culture in which each employee has a specific job and a specific role with the organization, and give them room to grow and opportunities to implement ambitious new ideas;
3. Focus on inspiring your staff instead of just motivating them. Inspired employees will inherently be motivated;
4. Show your team recognition and appreciation for the hard work they do;
5. Share your passion with your team and lead from the front by developing a positive mindset and displaying a positive attitude (2015).