One of the primary responsibilities of a team leader is to keep the team members motivated and engaged. But how do you go about doing that on a consistent basis? Peter Economy (seems to be his real name) shares some outstanding thoughts on this.

Originally posted by Peter Economy

Check out these 7 effective ways to get your team super motivated and fully engaged in your next project! 

1. Show people you work with how much you value them

Often, we forget to express how grateful we are for the work other people do. Whether we think they’re putting in a little or a lot, it’s important to thank them. Sometimes, it can even be the push that some members need to work harder.

2. Create a welcoming workspace

When you have a space that feels warm and welcoming, people feel more inclined to contribute to the atmosphere or add their own input. It doesn’t take much effort–just a collaborative environment and an open mindset.

3. Encourage collaboration

When people are able to work with others on the team directly, rather than communicating through a leader, it makes it much easier to get more things done, at maximum satisfaction levels.

4. Don’t discourage happiness

Small things, like laughter or positive thinking, are crucial to providing your workforce with stability and a sense of fulfillment. The way to engage the most amount of people is surely in creating a work environment filled with joy, so don’t discourage that kind of thinking–or worse, prevent it from happening.

5. Offer encouragement in the face of failure

Rather than berating your team for doing something wrong, which will only result in discouragement and a lack of desire to keep working, offer encouragement. Show them that failure is okay, so as long as they learn from their mistakes.

6. Give space for self-management

Micro-management is one of the least effective ways to lead. Rather than hovering over everyone to make sure the smallest things get accomplished, leave people with their own sense of responsibility. Set the goal, then encourage your employees to find their own path to achieving it.

7. Don’t waste people’s time

Don’t ask people to convene for useless reasons, like holding meetings when there’s nothing to discuss. People will be irritated and less likely to work when there’s actually stuff to do.