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<\/a>employees need to be continually reinforced for doing things right.<\/p>\nThe attitude of some small business management<\/a> is, \u201cThey collect a paycheck; that\u2019s all the positive reinforcement they need.\u201d That type of thinking is not only short-sighted, it\u2019s pure ignorance. Your employees need to consistently receive rewards they value.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s true that you can\u2019t really motivate your employees; they have to motivate themselves; \u00a0there are some things you can do as an owner or manager to create the proper environment for employees to provide their own self-motivation, i.e., to do what is expected of them. To do this, you need to find out what motivates your employees.<\/p>\n In a survey conducted by a national business magazine, it was revealed, once again, that money was not the top motivator for most people between the ages of 16 and 40 years. What the survey found was that aspects like gratifying work, appreciation for a job well done, recognition, and a feeling of independence in the way they performed their job responsibilities were at the top of the list. Money ranked in the middle.<\/p>\n So, how do you find out what specifically motivates your employees? Ask them. Remember, the number one stumbling block to knowing what your employees are thinking and feeling is not the generation gap but the communication gap. Sit down with each of your employees and ask them what they like about their jobs. Find out how they feel about interacting with their customers and how they like to be shown appreciation for a job well done.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that, depending on their viewpoint and life situation, their answers may vary. One month it may be recognition; another month it may be money. Also inquire how they want to be treated when they make a mistake. Once you find out what some of their self-motivators are, make it a point to use them. By doing so, you will be on your way to creating a more customer-oriented team.<\/p>\n SUGGESTED ACTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Set up a personal meeting with each one of your employees and ask the following questions:<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0 What do you like about your job?<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0 What do you dislike about your job?<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0 What do you like most about dealing with your customers?<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0 What do you like least about dealing with your customers?<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0 How do you like to be shown appreciation for a job well done?<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0 How do you want to be treated when you make a mistake?<\/p>\n – Tom<\/em><\/p>\n