Issa Asad Shares 5 Tips to Inspire Your Employees to Step Up

Issa Asad Florida

Issa Asad Florida

For your small business to be successful, of course you are willing to work hard. But it’s not enough. You can’t do it alone.

“You need your employees to be committed to its success as well,” suggested Issa Asad Florida entrepreneur and businessman since 1996. Mr. Asad is the CEO of Q Link Wireless and Quadrant Holdings, located in South Florida. He is also the author of 4 e-commerce and marketing e-books that can be purchased on Amazon.

Taking steps to keep your employees motivated can mean the difference between building a company that thrives or having one constantly struggling to stay afloat. Here Issa Asad Shares 5 Tips to Inspire Your Employees to Step Up:

1. See Your Employee’s Value

If you’ve only got two employees, then adopting an “Employee of the Month” program would be ridiculous. But a word of recognition and appreciation goes a long way. Take the time to personally tell your staff when they are doing a good job. If you’ve had a particularly grueling quarter, give them gift certificates to a restaurant, or even just to the coffee place down the street. Small gestures show that you are paying attention and helps workers feel appreciated.

2. Inspire Employees to Love Their Job

Okay, so maybe you can’t expect your employees to wake up every morning thinking, “Oh boy! I get to go to work today!” But at least you can make an effort to create a work environment where people can enjoy themselves.

3. Encourage Work Friendships

If your employees can forge ties with their fellow workers, and develop friendships, then time spent at the workplace can mean spending time with people they enjoy being around. Help facilitate these friendships by encouraging socializing during lunch or after hours. For example, schedule a monthly potluck lunch where everyone brings something to share. Allow music to be played during the lunch hour and even extend the lunch break a bit. There is something about sharing food that always brings people together.

4. Allow Personal Decoration

You will probably need to establish some guidelines (no flashing strobe lights or incense, for example), but encourage workers to personalize their workspace. Allow plants, artwork and fun accessories to be displayed. Move away from stodgy, functional office furniture and use less traditional pieces in their place. When people are happy in their space, they are also more productive.

5. Speak On-on-One with Employees

Unless you have hundreds of employees (but then, you wouldn’t be a small business, would you?), taking the time to personally connect with each of your staff can be invaluable. Schedule time to meet with each one personally over the course of the year. Ask them questions about their job, find out what they enjoy doing and what they hate. Be open to their suggestions. You can learn a great deal by listening to what your employees are thinking and observing. By giving each individual a chance to connect with you, they are more likely to reveal things they wouldn’t in a group setting, such as a staff meeting.