Five killer employee motivation ideas used by management coaches
Each time I read articles on employee motivation I wonder - are these the only ways we can motivate our employees? I have read countless theories of employee motivation and have examined the benefits of employee motivation from the perspective of an employee (yes, I was one once), a business owner, and a management coach (my favorite perspective).
Each time I review this information I get all excited that now I have found the ultimate motivational practices that will unlock all the productivity in employees, only to realize after I calm down, that the solutions are perhaps best distilled into five tried and true employee motivation ideas. OK, sometimes I do get a tad carried away with my enthusiasm. 
Recognize, Respect, & Value
First, understand that employees, like you, enjoy being recognized, respected, and valued. You could consider regularly taking time to ask them about their family, what type of recreational interests they have, what kind of music they enjoy listening to or playing, and thanking them every day for a good days work. Sound a bit too much? Have you tried this yet?
Ask Their Opinion
Second, understand that employees like being asked their opinion. This idea works best when you ask your employees their opinion on how a particular task they are responsible for can best be accomplished or when you engage them in a discussion on a political issue, an economic issue, or even an industry issue. You could pose a discussion question on how best to address a competitor's marketing campaign or customer service approach. The objective with this employee motivation idea is to ask them.
Develop Specific Goals
Third, have you asked your employees to help develop specific goals and objectives for their area of responsibility as well as the company's goals and objectives. For instance, what should our sales goals be for our different products and services? How much do you think we could reduce expenses for a particularly troublesome expense category? How does our company vision align with your own vision of your present and future role in our company? If you had an opportunity to modify the company mission, based on your experience, what would you say it should be?
Employees Implement
Fourth, understand that your employees are your implementation arm. With them you accomplish everything. Without them you accomplish very little. If they accomplish what is needed to be done before the day or the week is out, allow some flexible time to relax.
Encourage Outside Events
Fifth, encourage them to work with you to develop events or opportunities outside your business to enjoy each other's company. They may want to volunteer for a nonprofit organization, sponsor a youth sports team, go as a group to an amusement park, or elect to participate in a community fundraiser. Encourage the camaraderie and appreciate the results.
As a management coach I provide a wide array of opportunities for employers and their employees to discuss ways that they increase their motivational practices. At the end of the day, I have found the best way is to ask. Ask one more time how you can help them enjoy their work better. As a business owner or manager are you will to ask us to help you identify your motivators and values?
