The Truth About Improving Work Performance

Today I have an article that I wrote about improving work performance that I want to share with you right now. I will be revealing one of my favorite strategies that I use day in and day out to create high performance leadership. Jump right in and let me know your thoughts at the end. Enjoy!

When it comes to improving work performance, it doesn’t have to be difficult but most people make it one.

The truth about improving work performance that most people don’t know is that leaders should work to connect with their people first before they try to direct them. It is as easy as saying “hi” to them every day, learning their names, and learning one personal item about them that they can use to connect with them.

These three short tips will make a huge difference in improving work performance in an organization and have fun in the process.

Now let’s go a little deeper, starting with a question. How can something as small as saying “hi” to each and every one of the people that’s working in an environment each day, improve work performance?

Well, I think it’s simple! In my opinion, people will do more for a leader that acknowledges them consistently, then one that doesn’t. When the leader takes the time to say “hi”, the people that’s working under them it will make them feel important.

The more it is done, the more of an impact it will make them feel significant, which is one of the basic human needs.

Just by starting to do this on a consistent basis, I promise that this will start the process of improving work performance in any organization.

Next question! Do you know the names of the people that work with you and under you? There was a time when I didn’t, but I must say that once I did, it made a huge difference. Learning the names of people working with and under a leader makes a bigger impact than just saying “hi” on a daily basis and is far more powerful. Why do I say that? When leaders take the time to learn a subordinate’s name, they are subconsciously telling the person that they care about them and this helps to build a stronger connection.

A stronger the connection leads to a stronger relationship that can be built with their people. Then it becomes easier to get them to do something that you asked them to do. People don’t want to follow a leader who doesn’t genuinely care about them, but they love to follow one that they like. Connection is Key! Now to make this even more powerful, combine saying “hi” every day along with using names and watch what happens. You will be amazed!

Improving work performance is this simple and it’s just a very small piece of what I will be teaching you in the future.

Last question, if I was to pick one person in your organization and asked you to tell me one thing that you know about them outside of the work on a personal level, what would you be able to tell me? That’s a tough question for most people. It used to be one for me too until I learned this tip literally by accident.

If a leader took what I’m about to share and combine it with the first two tips and use it occasionally, they’ll be on the fast track to improving work performance, faster, easier, and simpler than they ever imagined.

They don’t have to know everything about their people’s personal life. All they need is at least one thing but obviously more is better.

Here’s what they need to do. Every once in a while they should ask people how they are doing today and listen to their response so they can use it later. Example, what’s say that an employee told their supervisor that their mother was in the hospital. When they see that person the next day, they should ask them how their mother was doing. This builds an instinct connection and lets that person know that the supervisor cares more about them than the work that they’re putting out. Now that relationship can be built off of that one incident for the rest of their lives.

What’s most important here is that the person asking the question is sincere and mean what they say from their heart. They should not ever do this if they don’t really mean it. This is just another way to help them build relationships. Have you ever heard the saying that people do business with people that they like and trust? Well, the same thing applies here but instead I say that people will perform for leaders they like and trust and this is one way to build that trust.

In conclusion, I can sum up everything shared in this section into one sentence. Treat people better than you want to be treated. Improving work performance doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes some simple strategies that will make a huge difference if utilized consistently.

All that any person in a leadership position has to do is remember to say “hi” to everyone every day, learn and use their names, and then learn at least one personal item from outside of the workplace that can be used as a bridge to build a connection with their people. Try these strategies out today and remember you must “Connect Before You Direct”.