MANAGEMENT SPECIAL..... MOTIVATE THE BEST IN THE TEAM

MOTIVATE THE BEST IN THE TEAM   High performers drive productivity, profitability and revenue growth, and hence it is crucial for companies to identify, nurture and retain topnotch talent. 1 Give Them Challenges High performers are usually curious to explore new boundaries. “If you are willing to bet on your high performers, it is better to be somewhat unconventional and provide them challenging assignments outside their comfort zone within the broad organisational boundaries,” says Sujatha Sudheendra, head – HR, Aditya Birla Finance. However, before assigning stretched goals, a manager must re-evaluate the current position along with the high performer. 2 Empower Them Empowering top performers to choose the path for achievement of expected results shows confidence in their abilities. “Giving a level of responsibility to an employee is the first step — it is the freedom to ideate, decide and act that ensures they add value,” says Prithvi Shergill, chief human resources officer, HCL Technologies. “Empowerment creates passion for performance,” adds Sudheendra. 3 Assign a Coach     Assigning a coach for a high performer is highly valued by the employee and reinforces that the organisation is willing to invest in his or her overall growth.  “Employees should feel that their manager is interested in their career as well,” says Sudheendra. Agrees Shergill: “High performers work in organisations where a commitment to learning is not negotiable, regardless of the business context.” 4 Recognise Them More than money, top performers are motivated by regular appreciation and recognition. “Appreciating high performers in town halls, personalised letters from the CEO and a thank you mail to the family is directly proportional to the productivity of the employee and can be one of the important factors for his long-term commitment,” says Sudheendra. Seeking their opinion in key organisational decisions and taking time to get to know them personally will be beneficial for both the organisation and the employee, she adds. Involving them in transformational projects can be a big motivator. 5 Engage with Them In order to retain top-notch talent, organisations must be able to engage with them, to make a lasting impact. Engagement comes with clarity in purpose, which builds a sense of belongingness. “Line of sight for employees ensures they are engaged to stay, and strive and contribute more than expected,” says Shergill.

Rica Bhattacharyya ET130621