Motivate Your People To Maintain The Highest Standards

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle

That’s why it’s imperative to provide your people with clearly defined parameters and to ensure breaches are detected and resolved as soon as possible when minimum standards aren’t met.

Here are five practical ways to ensure that employees fulfill their duties in the best way possible – not just once but every time: 

Prepare detailed instructions

Every role and function must be clearly defined, with step-by-step instructions that are practical and easy to follow. Think of it as a manual for someone who is coming to each task for the first time and leave nothing to the imagination. Always involve those who have been responsible for doing the job because they’ll most likely have already figured out what works and what do

Provide comprehensive training

A thorough onboarding process is essential to ensure that the job gets done right from day one. Offer actual examples of positive and negative consequences. Keep lines of communication open so if there are any doubts or questions these can be addressed as quickly as possible. In the event that anything changes, offer appropriate training without delay.  

Schedule regular updates

No set of instructions is perfect for all times. Amendments and improvements will always be necessary. The point is not only to maintain standards but to continuously improve them. Once again, be sure to involve the people who are actually doing the job. 

Put supports in place

Employees need to know that you have their back. Foster a culture of trust and openness so nobody feels too intimidated to ask for help. If anyone is struggling to maintain required standards, be prepared to support them with additional training and mentoring.

Monitor performance

Periodic assessment of performance is essential – but never fall into the trap of micromanaging your people. Ensure all members of your team know not only what their duties entail but also how their work impacts their colleagues and vice versa. In this way, individual shortcomings will more quickly be flagged up for attention by those who are directly affected.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi