NSilvennoinen_JMccaffrey_Poster

The role of communication in employee
management and motivation
”
Real motivation is the serious, never-ending task of creating conditions to which
the natural response of ordinary people is to accomplish extraordinary things.
Motivating people is extremely hard work that takes thought, attention to detail,
know-how and, perhaps above all, flexibility to individual differences.
”
Saul Gellerman, Motivation in the Real World, 1995
Case study: Developing positive
communication models to support team
motivation in the context of restructuring
Methodology: Combination of theoretical assumptions about
motivation; understanding individual factors through the Skills
Deployment Inventory (SDI); and short practical exercises with
the team and other managers.
Team session: Consideration of motivators and barriers to
motivation in the workplace and specifically in our current roles.
Top tips for management
and team communication
1.Productive dialogue
Give yourself and your team time to get to know and understand each other.
2.Coffee and chat
Keep up with what’s going on with your team outside of work.
Management Team Session: Consideration of our approaches to
motivating teams and associated challenges. Positive and
negative management behaviours were identified.
3.Talk frequently
Find out what motivates different team members.
Findings: It is vital to embed motivating staff into our day-to-day
management practices and evaluate this on an ongoing basis.
4.Use positive communication
Never underestimate the importance of recognition and appreciation.
Role of communication is three-fold:
• positive communication required at all times;
• utilising different communication styles for individuals works well;
• communication is an important linking factor in the
workplace. Effective and transparent communication can remove or reduce de-motivators and barriers to motivation.
Next steps: Cross-team away-day to tackle common issues such
as high staff workloads and further discussion at the next
scheduled team meeting.
5.Genuinely listen
Understand individual needs and take time to explain even unwelcome
decisions.
6. Share good practice
Create a support network by talking
to other managers about their
experiences.