Motivation and Team Building

Question 1

What are 3 reasons you should motivate employees? How does it benefit you as an employer?

Answer 1

~ lower turnover rates
~ time & money saved
~ higher productivity & performance
~ lower absenteeism
~ fewer problems
~ pleasant work environment

Question 2

What is motivation?

Answer 2

The reason people have for acting or behaving in a particular way. It is the inner force that makes people want to reach both personal and professional goals.

Question 3

What impact does praise have as a motivator?

Answer 3

~ improves morale
~ shapes behavior
~ encourages commitment

Question 4

Where can you incorporate motivation activities into your company?

Answer 4

~ during recruitment - learn about them, give them a tour
~ orientation - introduce them to the heirarchy, make them feel good about working for you
~ training - shows you care about their success
~ coaching - ongoing, follow-up
~ performance evaluation

Question 5

When is the best time to incorporate motivation strategies? Why?

Answer 5

During the first couple of days and weeks. At this time employees are eager and are most concerned about doing things right.

Question 6

List 3 ways you can motivate your employees

Answer 6

~ get to know your employees
~ open lines of communitcation
~ allow employees to participate in decisions affecting them 
~ give employees credit
~ give employees the authority
~ respect your employee's abilities

Question 7

What are the two types of groups at work?

Answer 7

Formal - groups of employees defined by the workplace organization or by job function
Informal - groups created when people with common interests, backgrounds, and personal experience spend time together

Question 8

What are the 5 stages of team development?

Answer 8

1. Should I join?
2. Who is in charge?
3. Can I say what I think?
4. How can I contribute?
5. How can we work together?

Question 9

What is the 3 step approach to maintaining teamwork in the decision making process?

Answer 9

1. Choose a group of employees to help you come up with problem-solving ideas
2. Have them brainstorm, suggesting as many solutions as possible
3. Evaluate the possible solutions. Discuss pros and cons to each one

Question 10

Define formal employee suggestion program?

Answer 10

suggestion programs in which employees us a suggestion box or other written communication to make suggestions

Question 11

Define open door policy

Answer 11

suggestion program in which employees are encouraged to offer suggestions at any time