3 Ways to Inspire Employees to Perform their Best in 2014

What inspires success in an organization? While the specific answer may vary with each organization, there is a common denominator with every company: EMPLOYEES. If employees are the key to success for each organization, how can an organization ensure that they are encouraging the best performance they possibly can from employees?

1. Invest in your employees. When looking at succession planning, do your employees have the resources to develop and learn in order to reach that next milestone in their career? Investing in the future of employees is investing in the future of your business. As your employees continue to grow, so do their ideas, strengths and value to the industry, ultimately effecting the success of the organization in a positive manner.
2. Execute a mentoring program. Mentoring builds a relationship between someone who embodies the traits it takes to be successful in the organization and an employee who is on that track. Whether done formally or informally, this allows an employee an avenue to seek advice, bounce ideas around or problem solve while in a “safe” environment. Inclusion in a mentoring program should be looked at as a positive thing so that employees at all levels want to be involved. Messaging around the benefits and reasons for inclusion in the program are crucial.
3. Define success. Ensure that each employee KNOWS what success in the organization looks like.  Whether it be within their department or throughout the organization, make sure that they know what optimal performance consists of.  Succession plans and mentoring programs should have a clearly defined definition of success in order to drive performance in the right direction.

Ultimately, you must make sure that each employee feels EMPOWERED to take the necessary steps to become successful. Allowing employees the time to develop and encouraging that development leads to more engaged and productive employees. Without that engagement, your organization runs the risk of losing top talent to competitors and sacrifices their place in the industry hierarchy.

Jessica joins the OI Global Partners – Innovative Career Consulting team as a Georgia native with deep roots in Colorado. As a graduate of the University of Georgia, she is a highly motivated, results-oriented professional with experience in recruiting, staff training, and leadership. Jessica has worked in the fields of hospitality, banking, and mortgage which have allowed her to develop strong skills in the areas of company strategy, direction, and communication. Her experience helps leaders and clients achieve their goals in the areas of Executive Search, Executive Coaching and Career Transition. She offers excellent interpersonal skills, creative thought and a drive to her clients.