Motivating staff is a tricky business because all workers will have different triggers that energise them to complete tasks.

To some extent you're free to apply general techniques that appear to have a positive impact on the majority of workplaces. However, it's still likely that you'll need to get to grips with the different factors that drive colleagues on an individual level. Advantages to motivating your workforce are many, doing so can help to define goals and make them clearer for staff, meaning they could get more satisfaction from their jobs, which in turn is a good morale booster.

Fear or 'fun' factor?

Some managers like to promote an authoritarian air in their workplaces by introducing strict regulations, for example. Penalties may be handed out if certain parameters are not met and bonuses withdrawn when employees fail to meet targets. These kinds of techniques tend to arouse fear in staff, motivating them to complete tasks as they avoid the consequences issued by authoritarian managers.

The problem with this technique is that it can potentially lower morale, especially if workers have not yet developed the skills needed through a lack of training. Short term results tend to give way to stressed staff who complete assignments through fear rather than with pride and positivity.

Instead of taking this approach, many offices are realising the benefits of reward-based systems that have realistic goals. Also, team leaders are spending more time on workplace activities that boost communication among staff and centre them on shared goals.

General techniques

There are several techniques that are used by managers who wish to motivate their staff. These activities encourage participation and may also give hints as to what individuals hold as their motivating force. Positive imagery is a good way to remind workers of their goals, and firms can do this by introducing and printing slogans that they identify with.

Training is another important technique to keep workforces up-to-date with common practices and makes them feel like they are progressing as a whole. Likewise, using incentives, such as bonuses and awards also help to recognise achievements and allow workers to reflect positively on the company. In order for all this to be achieved, you need to make sure you have good communication links with your workers, so positive messages can be easily passed on.

As mentioned briefly, team building activities are also used to motivate staff, and may also lead to healthy competition among workers.

Making it personal

Many of these techniques mentioned previously can be applied to both groups and individuals. The first step to getting to know individuals within your company is to talk to them on a one-to-one basis. Ask them what motivates them and issue feedback questionnaires if appropriate.

This way, when it comes to positive imagery you're able to tailor slogans to the individual concerned. Training needs may also be identified during these meetings and goals set, so the employee is working towards a new role they will find fulfilling. An essential element of these kinds of reward-based motivating techniques is that individual - and common - goals must be achievable.

Staff will begin to lose morale if they cannot consistently reach targets. Consequently, it's important to make sure colleagues are not taking on too much or opting to go on training programmes they are not yet ready for.

Reflect on your own experiences

Learning how to motivate staff does not only benefit your workforce, but could have positive effects on your own career and development within your firm. You'll be able to establish rapport with workers and keep in touch with the needs of employees and their morale levels.