As the business owner you are the captain of the ship and need to have effective strategies in place to keep your passengers calm when the ship is approaching an iceberg. Do you feel like you are losing control of the ship? Don't know how to keep your passengers calm? Here are a few tips on how to maintain staff morale during difficult times:
- Downsize the problem
This does not mean that you should keep employees in the dark but try and send out positive vibes. Choose your words carefully when addressing the issue, instead of saying “I don't know how we are going to get through this” rather say, “ Things are tough right now but we are going to work through this as a team”.
- Show Simple Gratitude
It doesn't have to be something big but always acknowledge efforts made by your employees. This can be words of appreciation via email or treating them to a simple breakfast / lunch every now irrespective of potential budget constraints.
- Radiate Happiness
Keeping the morale high starts with you as the business owner, keep your head up it will filter through to your employees as well. Never let what you are feeling reflect through your physical appearance as well.
- Keep the lines of communication open
Ensure that your employees know that you are available and open to them in order to become approachable as the big boss. Schedule weekly / monthly meetings to keep the employees informed about progress / changes that they need to prepare themselves for.
- Conduct Employee Surveys
These can be circulated on a weekly / monthly basis ensuring anonymity in order to get more honest results. Also allowing a space for employee feedback this will help you get different insights to help improve our current situation. Ensuring that the environment is healthy and positive for your employees regardless of circumstances is a crucial challenge / skill for your leadership abilities.
15 comments
I really enjoyed reading this article and i will keep reading it with meaning till i know it by head, the information given on this article is a game changer on its own, at times small things that we take for granted as Business Owners can bring our business down, thank you for the wise information.
somehow helpful.
As owners we need to understand that without our staff we have nothing - but true is the reverse staff need to know that without you they have no job.
Lead by example and not by word of mouth - if you not prepared to do it why would you expect your staff to do it - seeing you as the Owner step down
into the trenches and get your hands dirty will encourage your staff to do the same - titles mean nothing without the proof in the outcome.
Manage people as you would treat yourself but be firm and offer open door policy in a manner that benefits both company and employee.
Two way street but end result needed to benefit the growth of the business.
Very insightful article. It is true little forms of gratitude towards staff goes a long way.
Great Article, I enjoyed reading and have learnt a lot from it.
The information is very helpful and eye opening, as owners we need to keep our heads up even in difficult times and be hopeful so that our staff members remain positive.
Encouraging team work is crucial to keep the ship sailing safely to the right direction with great benefits.
Helpful reminder that leading in a relational way is key to good morale. I always try and join in the trenches as Shawn Smith was saying. So instead of leaving things to pile up at reception when one of my receptionists go on leave I run the reception for a while. It is helpful to see what happens at the front desk.
I am glad I read this article, from now on there will be a good changes on how I treat my employees
It is good to see that somehow am doing something right
I learned a lot from the article.
As am new business owner I've learned that if you want your business to go far you must respect your employees and kept them safely at all time
I don't have any full time staff but I need to be more positive towards the situation for my own stress levels.
I agree being open about the business and the situation is good. It also makes the staff feel part of the business and included. I also don't have any permanent staff anymore but this open line of communication works even if it is temporary staff.
by following these 5 guidelines as a business owner you will have staff with high Morales and result driven employees.
It does reassure employees to know the current state of the business, also helps as they will feel their contribution is valued. They will also buy into your business culture and brand.