People often ask me for tips on how to motivate their custodial staff, making sure they show up for work and do the assigned tasks, all the while staying competitive. I stress to these people that they should "remember the fundamentals."

Bill Griffin has a quote that I often paraphrase at my workshops: "A good supervisor can get a worker to do what they want done, the way they want it done, when they want it done because the worker wants to do it." Actually, that is great supervision not just good since it takes a certain type of person to be able to inspire and lead workers to give their best each day on every task. You should always find ways to recognizing and encouraging the best from your onsite supervision, your project managers, your quality control inspectors and your trainers. They make the team that wins the day.

Money is always nice and certainly should play a part. Recognition of achievements is essential. Respecting and communicating with them to where they feel a part of the success of the company can do more than almost any other incentive. Sending them to conventions, trade shows as well as sponsoring continuing education classes can be a great motivator. So what is the answer? It actually depends on the individual and needs to be tailored to their aspirations and needs. As your management team is motivated and brought together as a team, they in turn will communicate the same spirit to front line workers. Consider any investment you make in your key staff as n investment in your companies ultimate success.

Investing in each person to bring out their best and in turn your best is the key.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 4/29/2015