The late and great Peter Drucker, considered the father of modern management, emphasized the role of managers in productivity throughout his career. He famously stated, “The productivity of work is not the responsibility of the worker but of the manager.” This idea is highlighted in his works like "The Practice of Management" (1954) and "Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices" (1973).
As we all know, motivation is closely connected to productivity and is a critical ingredient for influencing work performance and organizational success. Leaders can enhance productivity by fostering a motivating environment, but sadly, this is often not the case in my experience.
I have seen many employees struggle with their motivation due to unclear expectations from their managers. In today's fast-paced world, managers often lack the time to provide clear guidance, leaving teams confused and misguided. This phenomenon is widespread. Consider:
A Gallup study found that only about half of employees strongly agree that they know what is expected of them at work. This suggests that a considerable portion of workers may experience uncertainty or confusion regarding expectations.
Similarly, a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that nearly 40% of employees stated that clarity on job expectations would make the most significant impact on their productivity.
Fortunately, there are easy exercises to minimize this confusion. One helpful activity is the 'top 5' exercise. Each quarter, list the top 3-5 priorities for each team member and have them do the same. Compare the lists to identify discrepancies and use the document to coach your team, clarifying expectations. This simple exercise will quickly improve your team’s motivation and productivity, benefiting your organization.
For more ideas on enhancing employee motivation, team communication, or productivity, Catalyst Point Leadership Advisors can help. Contact us to learn how we can support you. As Drucker said, promoting productivity (and by default, motivation) is the leader’s responsibility—let us help you succeed.
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