Beating 'Black Monday'
In previous years the third week of January has started with “Black Monday”, in the UK at least. It’s the day of the year* when people most feel the strain of debt, bad weather, lapse since the excitement of Christmas, analysing what’s due in January’s pay packet, failed New Year’s resolutions and generally low motivation levels plus the pressure to take action for the year. (* Cliff Arnalls, Cardiff University) This list alone is enough to depress anyone, surely? So, perhaps you’re discovering that staff are less than bouyant and that trying to boost them towards reaching 2008’s targets are less than easy? And if their malaise is costing you in productivity what can you do? 4 pointers that might make it easier: Concentrate your team on building from solid foundations. It’s easier to notice gaps but much more effective to build on what’s already working and what’s motivating. Taking stock of 2007’s successes and how they were achieved, especially each individual’s contribution, injects a boost. Set milestones beyond the drab winter but soon enough to be visible. Even if your business year doesn’t work to the financial year, Spring milestones can make targets seem achieveable and less daunting than “targets for 2008.” Allow for the fact that people are moany. Reduce unwanted resignations by encouraging people to look at their reviews/appraisals ahead of time and asking them to talk to you about what motivates them. Offer feedback openly and invite people to ask for it. A word of praise or appreciation can stop them looking elsewhere. Most staff feel they receive inadequate feedback and can’t second guess how the boss perceives them. Training sessions and morale surveys give people a chance to think about what they want and what they can do. Even planning the summer BBQ might lighten the office ambiance. Save yourself time, staff costs and stress; try simply spinning positives into the workplace when life and work may seem most dreary. For more information, please contact Clare Haynes at Wildfire on 0845 430 9101. |
