Easy Ways to Motivate Employees

Nothing keeps a good business running like happy employees. Yes, efficiency is important. Yes, it helps if they know how to do their job. But none of that is going to do you any good if your employees aren't happy. Why? Because unhappy employees give 20%.

And everyone knows that 20% isn't enough to get the job done.

The question is, how can you motivate employees without giving out pay raises that will drive your company into the red before the year is out? Here are some suggestions from America's top CEOs that are motivating their employees and keeping their businesses running at the speed of success:

1) Motivate yourself. Have you ever noticed that your employees are willing to put as much of themselves into the business as you do? If you're not motivated, your employees aren't going to be either. Enthusiasm is contagious. Give it a try sometime.

2) Align the goals of your organization with the goals of your employees-and let them see that they matter. If you're constantly telling your key players that they're expendable they're going to hold back on giving you their all-after all, it doesn't matter anyway. On the other hand, if your employees see daily how their actions are contributing to the success of your company they're going to be more likely to give you the 100% you need for success.

3) Get to know your employees. No, you don't have to know their entire family history, but do you know which of your employees has children? Grandchildren? Which want to be promoted to management? Which work well in teams and which turn out better results working alone? Which plan on being long-term employees versus those who are going to school with greater ambitions? Once you understand your employees you'll understand what motivates them, and you'll be able to plan accordingly.

4) Debunk the myths of motivating employees. Fear and money don't solve everything. Employers that use fear and money to try and grow happy employees almost always end up with unsatisfied ones that are just marking time until they get a better offer.

A strong business is made by a strong team, not just a strong boss. That's why motivating your employees may be the single most important thing you ever do to ensure the success of your business.