3 Ways to Better Manage Employee Performance
Article Published by: simplyhrpartners.com
Turn that frown upside down…
Positivity creates higher productivity and improves overall employee performance. Shawn Achor summarizes how positivity can affect performance.
“Your brain at positive performs significantly better than at negative, neutral or stressed. Your intelligence rises, your creativity rises, your energy levels rise. In fact, we’ve found that every single business outcome improves.”. For many leaders, focusing on the negative aspects of performance is the easiest route. We see a problem and we are inclined to fix the problem head on. And while not every situation should be addressed with positive performance management, a focus on what employees are doing right rather than only focusing on what the employees are doing wrong could lead to higher performance. Watch Shawn Achor’s TED Talk here.
On the next episode of big brother…
As an employer it’s hard to always be there, right in the moment when an employee is performing well. While we are by no means suggesting that you install video cameras so that you can watch your employees every second of every day, it is important to provide instant feedback. The standard model of rating performance on an annual basis, is not an effective way to motivate employees. We suggest that managers, at a minimum, have a monthly check in with all employees.
Carrot at the end of the stick…
A go to for employee performance management has always been to incentivize goals. From receiving a monetary bonus to a free candy bar, companies are prone to pay for performance. Dan Pink discusses how intrinsic, rather than extrinsic motivation is key for getting employees to perform. Pink suggests that employers should focus on; autonomy, mastery and purpose. Allow employees to reach their goals in their own way, provide the opportunity for employees to master their jobs, and foster a culture where employees feel that they have a purpose. Pink discusses that incentives can work in the workplace, but only when the task is simple. Head over here to watch Dan Pink’s TED Talk.
About Scott Livengood
Scott Livengood is the owner and CEO of Dewey’s Bakery, Inc., a commercial wholesale bakery with a respected national brand of ultra premium cookies and crackers.
Previously, Scott worked at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for 27 years, starting as a trainee in 1977. He was appointed President of the company in 1992, then CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Scott has served on numerous boards including the Carter Center, the Calloway School of Business and the Babcock School of Management, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, and the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.
He started a new business, StoryWork International, in 2016 with Richard Stone. The signature achievement to date is LivingStories, a story-based program for improved patient experiences and outcomes in partnership with Novant Health.
