Inspiration comes from the top

Your office employees, working at their desks, cogs in a machine, doing exactly what they are told, efficient, clocking in and clocking out on time

Inspiration comes from the top

Scenario 1: Your office employees, working at their desks, cogs in a machine, doing exactly what they are told, efficient, clocking in and clocking out on time. Scenario 2: Your office employees, coming up with ideas that can benefit sales, clients, cost cutting; approaching you for new projects to work on and seeking to improve their contribution to the company.

The difference between the two scenario's is precisely the difference between having employees who come to work to earn a pay package, and those who come to work because they like it and are committed to be a part of the company's progress - they are the ones who are inspired.

As an employer or boss, what can you do to make your employees an inspired lot, which not only energises the office atmosphere but also makes good business sense? It just takes a few small tweaks in your management style to inspire those who work with you:

The man in the mirror
As with most situations, you need to analyse and change yourself first. If you aren't enthusiastic about the company's goals and mission, it's very likely that your employees will pick up on that vibe. Energise yourself and get a fresh outlook on your commitment to the company, set a good example.u00a0

Paint the bigger picture
It's important for every employee to know exactly how his/her work fits in with the company's goals and how it is contributing to the progress and development of the company. Giving your employees a sense of belonging and worth goes a long way towards making them feel that they are an important part of the organisation and that their work matters.

Give a pat on the back
What works for children can also work for adults. Everyone needs to be acknowledged for their efforts and when an employee really does good work, they need that 'pat on the back.' Some managers will only bring up the negative points and ignore it when someone gets it right - studies show that positive reinforcement works wonders for motivation.

Loosen the reins
Micromanagers are seldom good managers. People definitely do not work to their best potential when there is someone constantly looking over their shoulder. In fact, it creates an atmosphere of distrust and the employees may begin to doubt themselves. What is needed instead it to create an atmosphere of autonomy while maintaining accountability - being responsible for the successful completion of a task will improve the quality of work as well nurture a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Keep an open mind
Make it known that employees are welcome to give suggestions and ideas on any aspect of the organisation, which they feel can be improved upon. Very often, it is the people who are constantly doing the same task who can figure out a way to do it better, faster, cheaper - in fact most Japanese organisations, who just happen to be the most profitable and efficient, encourage employee feedback - they call it Kaizen!

Allow talent to flourish
Recognise and encourage the skills and talents of your employees, allowing them to take on tasks and projects that are attuned to their special skills.u00a0 Doing something they are good at will atomically create job satisfaction. Some companies also allow employee to take on courses that will further their knowledge and develop their strengths. A job is not just a meal ticket for most employees, job satisfaction and feeling like a part of the team and company, go a long way in inspiring employees to give their best.u00a0