I will never forget the first time I was asked the question that every entrepreneur and business owner eventually asks themselves, "How do you motivate employees?" I would say, "Well, you don't - they motivate themselves."

My answer used to be relatively lengthy but I 'changed' my apporach and ever since I have changed the way I answer that question. t

The Most Important Principle in Managing Human Resources

You can't motivate anyone. They motivate themselves.

The best employees do not need to be motivated because they already are motivated. They know what they want, why they want it, and where they are going. The only question in their mind is "Is my emplpoyer going to be part of the solution or part of the problem?" Well, they don't exactly ask that question - but that is the question you need to be asking yourself.

Create a High Growth Environment

To make the most of self-motivated and focused employees you need to be clear about your expectations of them and what specifically you want them to achieve. If you do not create an environment where personal growth, risk taking, and achievement are rewarded and valued - they will leave at the first opportunity.

Challenge the Achiever

When an employee exceeds your expectations they are trying to tell you something (notice me), and are a high growth individual that just loves their work.

Always use rewards as an opportunity to build them up, compliment them. Then keep asking them what their goals are - they will tell you about their desires for job growth. When they do, listen carefully and tell them you will think about it and see what you can come up with.

Then come up with a plan to challenge him or her. Talk to him about it, ask him what he learned, what he liked about the project. Learn something about him. Doing so 'anchors' a positive association with personal growth - a desire and thirst for personal growth will keep him on the 'learning edge' where pride in a job well done is the real reward. Pride of accomplishment is a huge emotional reward - it builds the person up and increases their confidence.

Sometimes rewarding with a monetary reward or gift can rob the individual of the personal achievement - cheapens it. It takes wisdom to do these things in business. Wisdom based upon what you know of the employee and what drives them to excel.

Use wisdom. Measure twice - cut once.