As managers and supervisors, we’d like to think all our employees will give 110 percent all the time.  But when we step down from the clouds, we see that on Earth, two camps of employees often prevail: those who are driven to take on additional tasks and challenges, and those who are content to sit at their desks and foster the status quo.  That’s not to say the status quo is a bad thing, as long as work expectations are being met.  The problem is, when employees only meet expectations, the workforce probably isn’t performing as efficiently as it could be.

To get the company running at its best, how do we encourage employee resourcefulness and self-initiative?  Try these steps:

• Empower employees.  The last thing any company wants is a workforce filled with thoughtless drones, so remember to loosen the reins and let employees think for themselves.  Employees who have to crosscheck every detail with management are less likely to think independently.  Let employees think and solve problems for themselves by delegating work or assigning them their own special projects, so they can feel they have a vital role in overseeing a part of company operations.
• Allow mistakes.  Some employees don’t take initiative on projects because they are afraid of trying and failing.  To encourage self-initiative, explain that you expect some mistakes to be made as employees branch out and take on new challenges.  When those mistakes happen, don’t punish them—treat them as educational opportunities.
• Reward initiative.  Self-initiative requires extra effort and commitment from employees, so why not reward that hard work?  Setting up a rewards or recognition program, such as a team party or an achievement certificate program, shows that self-initiative is a valued trait in the company’s human resources.  Public recognition can help employees to feel good about their efforts and can also spur some healthy competition.
• Serve as a role model.  If management routinely practices self-initiative, employees can use that example to develop their own self-initiative.  It’s important for managers to demonstrate that self-initiative is welcome and encouraged in the organization.

With a lot of encouragement and a little elbow grease, your employees can learn to embrace self-motivation, and your company will reap the benefits of a more productive, more creative workforce.  If you need a hand with that elbow grease, look to the professional HR consultants at YES! Your Human Resources Solution.  We’ll analyze your company’s business and HR needs to find solutions that will motivate your unique workforce.  We’re here to guide you through every step of the way, from consulting with your management team to developing a rewards and recognition program that works for your employees.  Ready to find out how we can help your workforce to thrive?  Visit our website today for a free consultation!