What Employees Really Want

From Kevin Eikenberry:  What Employees Really Want


Reason Why. People want to do work that matters. Help people see the big picture in their work. Connect their work (or help them connect it) to the larger, aspirational mission of your team or organization. This bigger picture will make a big difference.
Clear expectations. We all want to know what is expected – what a target for success is. If expectations change, let people know – and engage them in that conversation. How can people meet your expectations if they don’t know what they are? Do they know?
Relationship. People don’t want to work for a paycheck, they want to work for and with people. That goes for you as their boss and their co-workers. How often do you share a kind word, give specific encouragement, or check in to see what they need? These mean more than you will ever know – unless you realize how much they matter from your boss.
Targets. Human beings are goal oriented beings. Give people something to shoot for. When these targets are connected to the big “why,” magic occurs.
Freedom. Even in the most process-oriented and procedurally-focused jobs, there is room for personal approaches. Give people some latitude within the framework. You will get higher levels of commitment, and likely process improvements too!
Input. Ask questions. Shut up. And listen. People have valuable perspectives. They want to share it. So ask for their input and value it.
Future. Help people see themselves in a future they desire – and help them get there. That future may or may not be the one you see them in, so you must ask. Then do what you can to support and encourage them to reach that future.