Use surveys to motivate your staff

Motivating staff is not a once-a-month or quarterly item on a manager’s to-do list. It is a process that requires constant grooming on your part. Understanding that what motivates one person does not necessarily motivate another is a fundamental aspect of your efforts. Setting realistic goals for your motivation efforts keeps the manager from making assumptions about what does and does not work Variety is the key to success and your willingness to incorporate a buffet of motivational strategies will result in positive behaviors.

So, how does a manager know what to put on this buffet table of prompters? Ask your staff!

You can do this through a brief email or survey. Consider these questions for your survey:

• What motivator was used at a previous job that would encourage you to become more actively involved in change at this job?
• Which of the following would you include in your top three motivators?
  • Understanding not just what is being asked of me, but why it is important enough for me to care
  • Points toward a higher level as a staff nurse which would result in an increase in pay
  • Knowing my involvement improves patient care
  • Knowing my involvement improves our working conditions
  • Certificates to use as money in the gift shop or cafeteria
  • Knowing my manager is holding my co-workers accountable when necessary

What questions would you add to this list? Have you done a similar survey in the past and, if so, how did the results help you as a manager?