And what's alternative for them? They get on bandwagon or they get left behind. When you talk about creating an awesome work environment you can tell them how much you want your department to be best one to work for in company. Refer to your "team" often. Be sincere and let them know that you mean it and that you're not just blowing smoke. This will give them a bit of a team feeling right there. Then, as you start to implement all of components, a bit more of a team spirit will start to emerge. For example using some of their ideas will make them feel part of solution and part of team. It shows them that you do listen and are capable of being "big" enough to use something that you didn't think of.

And try to create some kind of way for them to recognize each other for their good work. For example, you could create some kind of program where they can fill out pre-printed cards to give to each other as recognition for a job well done. The cards would have info such as:

Employee Name:

Description of Accomplishment:

Date:

Submitted by:

Then, as they fill these out and start giving to them to each other, more of a team spirit will start to emerge. Everyone likes to be told "Good Job." Even when it comes from a co-worker. Have all employees submit their received cards to you and then do a drawing once a month for a day off or a nice prize. This is a cool program and people LOVE it.

And certainly give credit where credit is due. Share credit for accomplishments made by your department. In a big way - in a really vocal way. Let there be no question that you directly attribute success of your department to them!!

Component #6 Make it a constant process!

This is a must. Yes, this type of employee motivation plan does take lots of time and energy. And it will continue to. But you must commit that this is a way of life for you as a manager. Once you do implement components and start to utilize them on a consistent basis, they really will become second nature to you. It just takes a while.

As you implement your tools, pay attention to what is working and what needs tweaking. Ask your employees for feedback. Remember, you should be doing a LOT of listening from now on. Ask them if they like employee recognition program in your department. Ask them for ways to make it better and more meaningful. Do they feel that team spirit is building? Why? What things can you be doing to make it better? Many brains are better than one, so make sure to enlist them in process!!

Never lose sight of your goals for having a super-motivated, productive, happy staff - envy of company. Your boss will thank you because of increased productivity and contribution to bottom line. And if that weren't enough, your spouse and kids will thank you because running a department like this does wonders to your stress level and quality of your personal life!!!

Now go out there and be a STAR!!

And it’s so worth it. Not only does doing this impact your success in your own job and company’s bottom line, it helps you have an impact on other people’s lives. Just think about difference your employees will feel going from working for a company that they don’t really trust to working for a manager who is creating a fun, productive fulfilling environment. Big difference, huh?

So what’s plan of attack? Well, it’s a going to be a lot of hard work, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to start off this adventure with a declaration of commitment. I mean there will be times when you just want to throw in towel and manage your staff like everyone else does. So to ensure that this won’t happen, you must stand firm in your beliefs that your new energized department is worth effort.

Make this commitment to yourself in whatever way is meaningful for you. Some of you need to simply tell yourself that you are committed to doing this. Others may need to write it down or tell a friend. Whatever case is, make a formal commitment and you’ll have a better chance of sticking to program.

Action Step for Success Are you feeling somewhat un-motivated yourself? Work through any issues you may be personally experiencing that are keeping you from committing to this department re-energization plan. Don’t lose sight of fact that you control your own attitude. No-one else. So choose to get committed to plan! You’ll be glad you did!

Now go out there and be a star!!