Question: As vice president of a company, I am wondering how I can reach individuals on our team that are having issues meeting goals. They lack motivation, leading me to believe they would rather be someplace else. What can I do to improve productivity and increase the drive to be successful?
Answer: Today, more than ever, a leader’s job is to build people. When we create an environment where more people get results, develop new skills, and become successful, we are fulfilling our duties as a leader. It is important to understand that people do not want to be managed – they want to be led. Acting as a coach is the highest priority in today’s executive environment. Here is a method that you can adapt to fit your company’s needs. That can help employees stay engaged and maximize productivity.
– Identify opportunities. Identify the opportunity whether it comes from a new business development, a skill, or performance review. Determine the goals you wish to meet as a result of coaching individuals involved. Have specific outcomes before you begin the process.
– Picture what it should be. Identify what the person is doing and what they should be doing. Define the behavior that requires improvement.
– Establish the right attitudes. A positive learning attitude must be encouraged. The person being coached should believe he or she can change and learn, has confidence, doesn’t have performance anxiety or is resentful.
– Provide resources. This includes a personal commitment to succeed by all involved. Resources may include incentives, training and upper-level support.
– Practice skill development. This is where knowledge turns into skill; thanks to the help of the coach. Practice allows the coach to identify strengths and areas of improvement.
– Reinforce progress. Give sincere feedback that gives the person the ability to hear and learn from what you are saying.
– Reward. Give appreciation and positive feedback. This creates an environment of constant improvement and positive results.
