For various reasons, even your best employees may slack off, lose focus or just seem to run out of steam. And, it’s your job to reenergize them and get them back on track.
Communicate
Effective employee communication is always critical, but it takes on heightened importance when you sense your superstar team members need an extra shot in the arm.
- Remind people how essential they are. Emphasize your organizational vision and where they fit into the big picture. Provide the right context for them to reengage.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities. Update this message if necessary. Show your employees how important their contributions are to your company and how they can help realize your mission via their input.
- Give them key assignments. Challenging, meaningful new tasks represent a renewal of your faith in your top performers and your confidence they will continue to deliver desired results.
- Invest – or reinvest – in their continued growth. Personal and professional growth opportunities refresh a person’s mind, heart and soul. Devote more time and invest more resources in the development of your best people.
- Be sure communication is a two-way street. Solicit ongoing feedback. Actively listen. For instance, an employee may have become discouraged by how inefficient a new process is, or they may feel they have a better way to complete a task or move a project forward. Remember: Your top performers are your best allies in coming up with ideas for continuous improvement.
Motivate
Look for new ways to motivate your top performers and get them recharged about their goals – and yours.
- Provide autonomy and added responsibility. Emphasize your trust in your best people to make good decisions on their own, based on their strong grasp of your plans and vision.
- Discuss their current goals with them. Maybe these have changed since the last time you had this conversation? Reinforce that employees’ goals align with their tasks, so they are working toward a higher purpose.
- Renew your commitment to involving them in decision making. Whenever possible, ensure plans or solutions are collaborative. Set specific individual and team performance goals; then hold people accountable for reaching them.
- Show your appreciation. According to a recent survey, 53 percent of employees said they would stay longer at their company if they felt more appreciation from their bosses. To avoid your top performers burning out or becoming flight risks, encourage them as they progress toward their targets, and thank and recognize them for their work.
The PrideStaff Modesto team of workforce development experts can help as you develop and implement an ongoing strategy to keep all your employees motivated, engaged and focused on future success. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
