7 tough ways to motivate remote workers

I'll tell you how I developed these methods. My employees are IT developers, designers and marketers who make apps, websites and advertisements to order. After transferring my business from the office to the Internet, during the first three months I had problems: layoffs, disorganization, constant missed deadlines. New employees could not work together and carry out projects with high quality, which caused dissatisfaction among clients. This could destroy the business.

In the office, you can swear at lazy employees. But when you scold a remote employee, it is ineffective.

In my experience, I have experienced a lot. But I was able to achieve the desired results and own the business for my own pleasure. Here are my seven secrets.

1. I meet each new employee

It always seemed that if you pay money, you should get a result in the end. But tell yourself, how many times have you been thrown by freelancers, various business experts or programmers? How many times did you have to close projects because of someone's laziness, stupidity or dishonesty?

When you just find a specialist, make an advance payment and wait for the result, then you are just another boring customer or employer for him. Realizing this, I began to change the technique of hiring.

During the interview, I asked not only about specialization and skills, but also about my personal life. I probably know everything about the employee: his hobbies, interests, friends. And he knows everything about me. I made new friends for myself, not just employees. And they do not act harshly with friends and are afraid to lose face in front of them.

2. I communicate with an employee every day

We took a person to the project and got to know each other. But this is not enough. You need to talk to him every day, ask about the project and communicate on general topics. Why?

Often projects are disrupted or delayed because the employee either does not have information or there is some difficulty in implementation. Maybe he could use the help of another specialist. If you are aware of the difficulties that have arisen, then you are a good company leader.

I am constantly up to date with developments regarding projects. There is something to say to clients, partners or investors. And if the employee does not regularly contact and disappears for no reason, then I fire him.

3. I introduce new employees to reliable old ones

All programmers, designers, marketers are chasing new knowledge and skills. If a person does not want to develop in his field of activity, but he is not yet a master, then he will never become one. I don't need such people.

Attract and retain new hires by dating and mentoring old ones. Create teams. In the team, the employee has someone to lose face in front of, and there is someone to try and show talents in front of. And the most important thing is that he will be much more comfortable working in a cool team than just being alone with the manager.

4. I am interested in the results every day

Any job has something to show, even if an employee spent only two hours on a project. Demand not reports and explanations, but the result. Designer? Let him show you a draft of a project or a selection of photos. Programmer? Must present at least one working function per day. Marketer? Ad placements or new keywords.

Builders worked for me in the summer. I watched the process and saw all the results. This should be the case in every profession. And if there is no result, then clarify why.

5. I always test employees

I fire everyone who clearly does not fit. Do not give indulgences, because you will not have the team that you deserve. Out of ten new employees, at best, only two remain, and that's okay.

6. I don’t regret money for salaries

It is also not worth squandering. But if the person has the skills you need, then pay for them normally at the market price, rather than looking for cheaper options. They usually always cost more. I have programmers who make $ 25 an hour and they are worth it.

7. Sometimes I forget about Dale Carnegie

As reality shows, there are few ideal employees to apply Dale Carnegie's methods, and most already have other jobs. Imperfect employees know how to work, bring money to the company, but sometimes they need to be criticized, scolded, checked and even threatened (there are some) to increase motivation.

If you follow these simple truths, you will definitely have a motivated team and a good team, like mine. If you think that one salary is enough for motivation, then you are mistaken. Draw conclusions, try for yourself and get only great results.