How do today’s business leaders and employees remain motivated and productive on a day-to-day, year-to-year basis? In a recent segment of the River 95.3 FM’s “Valley Business Today” radio show, Miles Davis, Ph.D., dean and professor of management at Shenandoah University’s Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business, shared how leaders and employees can influence one another’s motivation within a productive work environment.
“Leaders must recognize the factors that play into employees’ motivation, that individuals will only change if they want to,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s human nature for people to resist change, but leaders can influence employees based on what each one values, rather than attempting to change behavior.”
Leaders are also responsible for maintaining an environment that represents the organization’s values. This sets the tone if leaders and managers serve as examples of an organization’s mission and values. Davis recommends creating a diverse environment in which all employees feel engaged.
Listen to the full podcast at:
https://theriver953.com/podcast/employee-motivation-dr-miles-davis/
“If there is something a person enjoys doing, it doesn’t matter the obstacle faced in front of them, because they won’t shut down and quit,” he said.
Those who create an environment where the organization’s and employees’ values are united foster productivity, which fuels a willingness and motivation to work toward common goals. Diverse and motivated employees greatly impact creativity, which results in productivity.
“Leaders set the groundwork for an environment that is respectful,” he said. “They must understand and articulate the organization’s values beyond policies and procedures. They are responsible for both creating the environment and representing the values valued by that culture.”
Ultimately, the collaborative relationship between leaders and employees is a symbiotic partnership. Working together, they foster a motivated working environment where each one plays a part in listening more and bringing their virtues and values to the workplace.
“By fulfilling the needs of the organization, all employees become indispensable,” said Davis. “Those who are motivated and willing to serve contribute to a productive work environment.”
This partnership fosters a productive work environment that employees and leaders co-create, even as they motivate each other throughout the process.
Listen to the full podcast at:
https://theriver953.com/podcast/employee-motivation-dr-miles-davis/