How can you motivate employees when they're uncertain?

The first and foremost thing that a supervisor as a mentor should be able to do, is to have the acumen to pick up the signal that indicates the employee is uncertain. He or she should immediately reach out and have a dialogue with the employee - understand the broad reasons for the uncertainty. Some of the basic things that you can do to improve the situation are 1. Promise transparency 2. Build Trust 3. Increase the periodicity of engagement 4. Provide clarity 5.Boost confidence

Say it when you know it and stay transparent, share as much as possible or allowed to ensure there is more clarity, less confusion. Establish feedback loop, recurring schedules and 1:1s with staff to ensure there is a two way bridge. Everyone has their comfort level measured differently, respect the view and ensure you attempt to clarify as much as administratively possible.

Recognizing their previous successes not only highlights their abilities and resilience but also reminds them of their capacity to overcome challenges. By focusing on their accomplishments, you can boost their confidence and self-assurance, making them more resilient and motivated to face the uncertainties in their current situation. This approach encourages a positive and forward-looking mindset, helping employees stay engaged and focused on their goals.

Motivation is super important to continue the daily grinds of fire, especially on a heavy operations business segment. Keeping employees energized everyday with the goals in sight, objectives in mind and road to horizon is critical. Organize special sessions with highlights of staff, recognize periodically the achievements, ask for written feedback from customers who have indicated satisfaction with the work performed and share directly with the employee...personal notes, routine praises and lots of optimism will keep employees focused, sense of belonging and satisfaction on their input. These are ofcourse outside of monetary incentives, that should always be balanced as much as the business is willing to reward (or request).

Empowering employees to take control of their tasks and decisions not only enhances their sense of ownership but also fosters trust and relationship building. By offering guidance and stepping in to provide feedback when necessary, you can create a supportive and collaborative environment that allows employees to thrive even in uncertain situations. It promotes both individual growth and team cohesion, making it a valuable strategy to motivate employees when they are facing uncertainty.

Everyone learns differently and some craft their professional development based upon how successful they are mentored. We should all have mentors and well wishers at work to ensure we can tackle all times of challenges, persevere at tougher business cycles, show grit and dedication. Happy employees translate to super productive workforce and resilient business environment. In today's world where things change frequently, ensure the staff is always learning new or latest trends, understands the business justification of 'why' and naturally growing on their own career path.

Challenges and uncertainties are a part of life, and offering emotional support not only as a manager but also as a friend can make employees feel more connected and understood. This approach not only enhances the manager-employee relationship but also creates a more supportive and empathetic work environment. It's crucial to acknowledge the importance of mental well-being and provide the necessary resources to help employees cope with stress and maintain their resilience, ultimately boosting their motivation and optimism.

Along with Vision and purpose, giving team the big picture will add tremendous value. In the starting point of my career I was working on Software development of a CAM based product. I was doing well but my visualization was based on the limited knowledge I have and what I have seen. My manager realized it and asked me to accompany him for one of the customer visit where I saw the final product being used by the customer. That changed my perspective, added tremendous knowledge and the big product I was part of. This realization has improved my effectiveness, productivity and visualization in my future assignments

Three things I stress with a team when working with uncertainty: 1. Control the controllable - focus on what it’s in your control, and manage or ignore everything that isn’t (in a healthy manner). 2. Keep the main thing, the main thing - you have one job to do in your role or for your client. Look at everything through that lens. 3. Things will get better. Everything is temporary including this current situation. It’s going to be okay.