April 19th, 2007
Things I Have Done To Excite a Team
I remember when I first got into the business world as a Xerox salesman. I loved being in sales, wearing a suit, having a card and having a opportunity to make money. Management in those days was a strategy of intimidation. The managers were almost abusive. One day I told my direct supervisor You hired me you do not own me and if you speak to me like that again, I will come across the desk and whip your ass. I was 24 years old and i didnot get my degree to be treated less than a man. I also was single and had very little bills so I could have handled being fired. I did not get fired and my manager started treating me like a human but I decided then to become a manager that made business fun.
Do unto others as you would have them do onto you became my moto. I learned things not to do and how not to treat people from many poor managers. In fairness they were excellent managers but poor leaders. I became a leader. What is the difference, (leave a comment on how you see the difference between a manager and a leader,) to me the difference, a manager manages the details and a leader leads the people. That is it people vs details.
Motivation is a big part of leading. Here are some of the things I have done to excite people.
Leased a new BMW sport car converitible, given to my top sales person
Hired Earth ,Wind and Fire to play for 200 couples at our company Presidents Club
Established a million dollar club
When traveling often times would invite the significant others to dinner with the team
Announce every new business close on the company wide voicemail, like a MC with music and energy
Gave nicknames to the best performers
Helped team members reach their goals.
establish a team theme or rally cry
Made it fun
How about you, what have you seen work?
April 19th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
That’s wonderful what you are doing. It’s so great for morale. It’s important to always treat others with respect.
My brother does the similar things for his employee’s. He’s a Vp at his company.
I’m a small business owner (it’s only myself at the moment) when I do hire others I will definitely treat them with respect and do things for them so they know I care about them as people.
April 20th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Opal, thanks for stopping by.Most people need a job and money but employees rank money lower on the list of reasons they leave a position,than feeling valued, inspired, and respected. You and I are both small business owners, it is only me as well. I wish you the best.
April 20th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Wow. Can I come work for you?
Those were some great ways to motivate your sales team. I’ve has some good managers, but the best were those who let me do my job. I’m a free spirit and when I like what I’m doing it doesn’t take much to get me going. But those were some great incentives (I’m a big Earth, Wind and Fire fan).
Treat people with respect is most important to me. I have a pretty high tolerance, but lack of respect pushes me past that boundary. Managing out of fear only gets you so far and works on very few people nowda
April 20th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Theo, we had tremendous fun and made it happen. Now that I am a small businessman with out a big coporate budget, as I build, I will find other ways to make people feel special. I wanted my guys to feel free to run their business and gave a lot of room. You would have been a great fit.