We’ve all been there — a short chat with a co-worker turns into an hour-long conversation or a quick scroll on social media ends up taking much longer than you intended. Some productivity killers are a result of personal habits. Others, though, stem from broader workplace challenges.
Jennise Chaffold, a manager, performance improvement at Insperity, says leaders shouldn’t focus on how much they can squeeze out of their staff but on recognizing that people aren’t robots. For people to deliver their personal best, leaders should focus on the work environment and eliminate some common productivity killers.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Chaffold’s thoughts on how you can improve your employees’ productivity by addressing issues like poor communication and lack of recognition.
1. No big-picture view. Employees want to know how their work impacts your company’s overall success, Chaffold says. Show them how they’re connected to your mission and look for ways to involve them in the decision-making.
2. Poor supervision. You could miss the mark without knowing it. You might not be consistent or transparent. Maybe you play favorites or don’t give enough time to complete tasks. To remedy the situation, Chaffold recommends asking your team members how you can best support them.
3. Poor communication. You need to communicate with your employees, Chaffold says, but you also need to give them opportunities to communicate with you. Allow them to share their concerns and opinions.
4. Lack of delegation. Some leaders don’t delegate well because they don’t want to give up control of their projects. This can lead to a host of problems, from an overworked boss to a team with low buy-in.
5. Inconsistency. When a work group constantly changes direction or doesn’t value consistent processes, Chaffold says it’s often because those at the top don’t have a clear understanding of the group’s role or the company’s goals and vision.
6. Weak company culture. Even small things like unclear dress codes or limited flexibility on when the workday starts can lead to a negative culture. This can lead to low productivity.
7. Inadequate technologies. If your sales reps are working with old tools they will not be as effective as they could be, Chaffold says. Ask your employees what they need to be more effective and efficient. You don’t have to commit to anything right away, but you could say, “I can’t make any promises, but I’d like to get your suggestions.”
8. Lack of acknowledgement. If people consistently do exceptional work and no one recognizes it, eventually employees may figure, “Why bother?” Whether you give an employee a heartfelt “thank you” or reward them with promo, make time to genuinely acknowledge your team members.
To get the best out of your staff, look for ways to support them. Make sure they have the right resources and understand the expectations. Communicate clearly and celebrate your sales reps’ achievements. A team that feels valued will always perform better.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jennise Chaffold is the manager, performance improvement at Insperity. She has more than 20 years of leadership experience in helping organizations align people and processes with strategy.
