This.Is.How.We.Work: Keep the motivation high
Anyone who has ever created something knows the difference between spurring the initial level of motivation and keeping the motivation going. Every invention, company, discovery faces this. It’s all shiny and sparkly when it’s new. But what about when the spotlight isn’t on you anymore? It’s one thing to not have the rest of the world involved, the real problem comes in when your team doesn’t feel motivated anymore. When the team feels like everything is mundane and routine.
Apple does this perfectly. The only company to make it from the PC era to the Post PC era without so much as a scratch. And they are hailed as the biggest start up ever. They have a deep relationship with their products, as well as their employees. I’d be hard strung to find a founder who isn’t just as intense as Steve Jobs.
Get your team involved
Got a small spike in your page rankings? A smiley face from your meanest client? Share it. Let everyone know. It shows them that they’re working for something that’s making a change in the world. It shows them that you’re motivated. And the “I see, I do” paradigm works pretty well here.
Organize team hackathons, workshops, meetings
That intense 8 hour hackathons are great for learning and working together. Plus you’ll build something that would take you a week in less than 8 hours! Events and workshops are always a good way for getting that passion for coding back. All that high-intensity programming gives you a sense of accomplishment that comes second to none.
Be transparent
Let your employees know what you’re up to. Not only will it instill a kind of faith in them about you, they’ll be super kicked to start working on whatever it is. Celebrating the good news, not sugar-coating the bad ones can forge a bond. You’ll find your entire team right behind you in the hardest of times.
Have some fun
It doesn’t always have to be board-room meetings and lengthy email reports. Mix things up at office. Maybe clear out all the tables and sit on a yoga mat! Or take your team to a local cafe. Concentration and ingenuity doesn’t come easily looking at the same old desk and chair everyday. Give your employees some breathers! They’ll be pumped up to work even harder.
Originally published at blog.skcript.com.
