Understanding and Motivating Your Team: A New Manager’s Guide

As a new manager, one of the most critical tasks is to understand the individual needs and motivations of each team member. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach; each team member is unique and possesses different drivers for motivation. This article will guide you through the 90-day plan to successfully navigate these aspects.

Getting to Know Your Team: The 90-Day Plan

Establishing a solid foundation in your first 90 days will set the stage for a thriving and productive team dynamic. Here’s how you can structure your initial 90 days:

Week 1-2: Understanding Roles and Responsibilities

The first couple of weeks are crucial for familiarity and building trust. Begin by learning about each team member's roles and responsibilities. This will give you insight into what they are accountable for and how their work contributes to the overall team objectives.

Week 3-4: Initial Weekly Catch-Ups

Set up a weekly catch-up session, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the individual’s needs. These sessions should be informal and not solely focused on work. The first few meetings should be dedicated to personal connections and building trust. Here are some topics to cover:

Personal lives: Ask about their living arrangements, family, and hobbies. Liking and disliking: Inquire about what they enjoy and dislike about their work. Communication style: Explain your communication style and understand their preferences.

People won't care how much you know until they know how much you care. This initial personal connection is essential for setting a positive relationship and trust.

Weeks 5-6: Performance Evaluation and Feedback

Use the RYG (Red, Yellow, Green) approach for gauging performance. This system allows you to identify areas where each team member excels and where there might be room for improvement without creating a confrontational atmosphere.

Finding the Right Motivators

Understanding an employee's motivation is crucial for effective management. Motivators can vary greatly from one individual to another. Here are some tips to uncover what truly drives each team member:

Assessing Through HR Data

You can always ask employees directly about what motivates them, but their answers might not always provide a complete picture. Use their HR records, performance reviews, and feedback to gain a deeper understanding. Pay attention to their progression milestones and what challenges they face. This holistic approach can help you tailor your approach to motivate each team member individually.

Demonstrating Genuine Interest

Show genuine interest in their work and the methods they use. Engage in discussions about their projects and ask about their progress. This not only helps in identifying their strengths and weaknesses but also demonstrates your care and attention to their professional development.

Connecting and Reflecting

After your initial catch-ups, reflect on what you’ve learned. Connect these learnings with the HR data to form a more comprehensive understanding of each team member’s motivation. By doing so, you can customize your coaching and support to align with their unique needs and aspirations.

Building Trust and Strong Relationships

The success of a new manager largely depends on the trust and strong relationships established with the team. Here’s how to foster these:

Informal Sessions

Avoid making these catch-up sessions purely about work. Keep them informal and focus on building personal connections. This will make employees feel valued and respected, ultimately leading to better team dynamics.

Patience and Consistency

Building trust takes time and consistent effort. Be patient and persistent in your approach. Consistency in these informal sessions will help in reinforcing trust and showing your commitment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, as a new manager, your goal is to understand and motivate your team effectively. By following this 90-day plan and demonstrating genuine interest, you can build strong relationships and foster a motivated and productive team environment. Remember, each team member is unique, and your approach should be tailored to suit their individual needs and motivations.