Motivation For Employees

It may be my red hair (and the temper that goes with it) or just plain human nature, but I have a real problem with people giving me direct orders!  Last time I checked, I had not joined the armed forces (though I did consider it in my youth). However, if they are my superior (in a working relationship) I know they have the right to give orders, but that does not make it the right way.

There is a nicer, better way to accomplish the same thing, while maintaining a good working relationship.  This approach involves making suggestions or asking questions, instead of commanding.  Something like: “You might want to consider trying …” or “Do you think this would work?” Either of these options would be preferable.

Your approach will determine how well any criticism is received and acted upon.  An approach that allows someone to save face, and perhaps learn something new in the process would surely be a better way to go. So when it is time to critique someone, try the questioning / suggestion approach and see what happens.

The first question to ask yourself is whether this person has received proper training and direction on the project at hand. If not, that is where to begin. If they have been properly trained, let them do the work and see how well they do. Then if things are still not on par with your expectations try the question / suggestion approach.

This approach gives people the opportunity to show you what they can do and how they would do it.  Let them use their own creativity. You might be surprised to see that they have a better or different way than you would have used that is quite acceptable, maybe even preferable.  This can work very well for your Direct Sales Marketing, and you might just learn something that you can use for your marketing business!