7 Ways Of Motivating With Appreciation

There is a fine line between what is considered genuine appreciation towards employees and potential manipulation. If nonprofit managers are not careful, their simple gesture can be interpreted as an attempt to bribe or manipulate. This will cause employees to become cynical and a drop in performance may occur as a result.

The way to avoid this problem is to make sure the appreciation you show employees is meaningful and well deserved. This can be an excellent way to motivate employees if done properly. Gifts of attention, concern, and interest are the best techniques to build relationships with your coworkers, and will also help build trust, teamwork, and strong morale.

In their book “Being Buddha at Work,” Franz Metcalf and BJ Gallagher list seven of the best ways to go the extra mile for employees and donors:

• Ask what you can do to help if a coworker seems stressed or frantic.
• Forward them an article you think would be of interest.
• Throw in a little something extra when a donor makes a big contribution.
• Throw in a little something extra when a donor has a problem.
• Offer to stay late to help meet an important deadline.
• Ask about coworkers’ families – show that you care about them as people.
• Get involved in company-sponsored activities and programs, like blood drives and other events.