Understanding Workplace Behaviour
Actual behaviour is very important, but so are the reasons behind it. In most cases, the only way to know how motivated your staff members are is through how they behave. This includes what they say, their gestures, expressions, and stance.
READING BEHAVIOUR
When trying to read behaviour, recognize that while body language can give clues to motivation levels, it can also be misread. More concrete signals will be provided by how individuals perform their tasks: this is likely to give you the clearest indication of their motivation.
Someone who works cheerfully and efficiently is unlikely to be hiding anything if they greet you with a smile. Likewise, a dour facial expression should only be interpreted adversely if combined with a grumpy ”That’s-not-my-job” attitude to work.
Be aware that the systems that your staff use may be demotivating. Look for positive responses to any criticisms – they are good signs of motivation in staff. Maintain eye contact with your staff whenever you speak with them. Ask your staff if any changes at work would help to motivate them. Learn to see the difference between work problems and personal ones.
SEEING ENTHUSIASM
Positive motivation is often signalled by positive gestures: a smile, an eager pose, and a relaxed manner. When people carry out a task in which they are interested or enthusiastic, they may have a ”sparkle” in their eyes, since their pupils enlarge.
Confident eye contact is also important as a measure of motivation: demotivated people are less likely to look you straight in the eye. Blushing can indicate pleasure, while an increased rate of breathing can indicate enthusiasm – both of these are good signs of motivation.
RECOGNIZING MOTIVATION
Motivation can be recognized in several ways – look particularly for signs that your staff feel useful, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others’ interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether they are satisfied.
You can also establish a good idea of an individual’s level of motivation by their attitude towards work. The statements below are all indicative of motivated staff members.
- They freely volunteer effort and ideas, as well as other contributions;
- They always react well to requests and new assignments.
- They work to achieve, not ”to rule”;
- They seem to be happy at work;
- They always respond frankly to questions.
RECOGNIZING A MOTIVATED WORKER
A tidy, organized work space and a well-groomed appearance can indicate a positive attitude to work. A tidy desk is a sign of a motivated worker who wishes to be able to find the things they need easily, while attention to personal appearance suggests a high level of commitment to the job. Cheerful expression is combined with a smart appearance, paperwork is kept tidily, tidy in-tray shows that work is up to date, and the only task at hand is on the desk.
SEEING NEGATIVE SIGNS
Demotivation may not always be signposted, but look out for defensive, protective actions, such as folding the arms when seated or clenching fists involuntarily. Inattention, the first sign of demotivation, may be seen in facial expressions, tapping fingers and restlessness are also negative indicators.
A sloppy, ”couldn’t-care-less” attitude and a lack of enthusiasm for work may also be observed. A monotonous tone of voice may tell of boredom, but be aware also of signs of aggression, such as chopping motions of the hand or pointing a finger in an accusatory manner.
REDUCING DEMOTIVATION
Workplace demotivation for many people tends to be caused by poor systems or work overload. Very clear signs of demotivation include high levels of absenteeism and quick turnover of staff. Recognizing demotivation is pointless unless you intend to eradicate its causes. Remember, too, that poor behaviour and underperformance are not necessarily signs of workplace demotivation. If demotivation remains even when the situation is improved, it may be due to personal problems.
Persons who have a dishevelled appearance and sit behind disorganized desks suggest a careless attitude to work. If they kept their heads propped up on their hands, that is a classic sign of boredom. Keep work as varied as possible to avoid causing demotivation. Treat departures and absenteeism as warning signs of demotivation.
MEASURING MORALE
It is important to measure workplace morale regularly to discover if and why staff are experiencing problems. However, if you experience a rise in departures, suspect that motivation is low, or find that absenteeism is increasing, do not wait to take the workplace temperature: do it now.
You may wish to try using employee attitude surveys; these give a broad indication of morale but can be lengthy and costly. Read the signs from your talks with people, such as annual appraisals, or set up focus groups or one-on-one interviews. Another way to measure morale is to take a random opinion poll. Remember, however, that if you investigate staff attitudes you must act on the findings, or risk causing further demotivation.
TREATING STAFF WELL
When considering how best to treat staff remember the adage, ”Do unto others as you would be done by”. Demonstrate trust in your staff, and prove yourself worthy of trust. This trust includes, on the part of the manager:
Never make promises that you are not able to or do not intend to keep, never ask others to do anything that you would not do to yourself, and ensure your people know that they can count on your respect and your loyalty, unless and until they prove undeserving.
To the best of your ability, see to it that working conditions, pay and status issues, job security, and working atmosphere are managed promptly and in a way that is comfortable to employees. Deal with personal problems, which arise from time to time, sympathetically and positively.
If bad results occur, review your motivation as well as those of employees. Do not just assume you are visible – ensure that it is true. Show respect to your staff, and they will show it to you.