Whats the best way to motivate your staff?

Question

I read about Mcgregors theory X and Y and thought it was very interesting.

Exactly how do you think is the best way to motivate staff?

Answer 1

recognize high achievers.

contests

fire the non performers.  

Answer 2

Oh, you have a staff now?

Hahaha! Just kidding!

Answer 3

Your own example is one way of motivating staff. Remember that each person is different and requires different triggers to motivate them.  A good manager finds out which methods or combination of methods work best for each individual under their leadership.

Most people do respond to positive feedback on their performance. Getting people to contribute their ideas also helps. One of the most successful ways is to steer them into suggesting the way you want things to be done and let them believe that it was their idea in the first place. They will work harder to make it succeed because they own that decision.

Pages 40-42 in the source below covers a variety of motivational theories formulated by Maslow, Herberg, Vroom and McClelland, in addition to Douglas McGregor.

Answer 4

Exalt their accomplishments.  Recognize their achievements.  Reward their extra efforts.  Listen to them, and thank them for their ideas.