!7# How to Motivate Employees, Increase Productivity and Stay Focused

!±8± How to Motivate Employees, Increase Productivity and Stay Focused

Have you ever wondered why people thrive in activities not related to their work but fail to have the same enthusiasm and/or output in what they are paid to do? Their morale is low, lack team skills, they don't want to change, no personal accountability and their creativity in minimal from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

As a youngster in Kangundo, Kenya, I used to hear, "Aaauuuiiii... Uuuiiii...Aume nakuu, muyuke mboo nino!" It was a "911 call" from Kamba women and means, "Men! Wherever you are...here is a water buffalo in our village. Kamba women were not trained as warriors-they were not trained to use bows and arrows or spears.

Men were thoroughly trained in their youth on how to use traditional weapons to protect themselves, their families, their property and the community. This training equipped them with the tools they needed to overcome adversity from other tribes and fierce wild animals.

Because the workplace has changed, employees need a new leadership approach to overcome their challenges. Unlike the Kamba women who expected their men to rid the community of the attacking forces, today's employees need the tools themselves. The workplace has become an unpredictable jungle and leadership needs to know why people with talents and experiences are dissatisfied and not using their potential-thus damaging the bottom line.

From the information I have gathered from employees and leaders who understand today's challenges, here are 13 aspects that, motivate, change, and empower employees to reach new heights of creativity, productivity and person fulfillment:

1. Clear expectations, vision and goals

2. No ultimatums and threats that were effectives between the two world wars

3. Continuous opportunities for growth no matter how bad is the economy

4. Reduces work related stresses and/or illnesses

5. Eradication of small talk and gossip

6. Adequate training and opportunity for refresher courses

7. No continuous unexplained changes

8. Recognition for small and big wins

9. Zero demeaning behavior or talk by superiors

10. Tactless discipline

11. Involvement in team projects

12. Family friendly workplace environment

13. Healthy communication within and between an organization's departments

With the right tools, responsibility and work environment that encourages risk taking most employees will not scream for help but deal with the beast (challenges) themselves.