Highly motivated and awesome team members are perhaps the biggest determinant of the long-term success of your practice. Staff create the awesome experiences that help you land and keep great clients. And they keep you on-track and relatively sane. The all-star team members who man the front lines of your business have the greatest influence on your clients’ opinions of you, their trust in your practice and the likelihood they’ll become life-long advocates for your services.
So, it’s vital that you find and implement the best methods for keeping great employees motivated. Read on to learn five ways the best advisors get the most from their staff.
Share your vision with your team #
All team members want to feel like they are part of something special—an endeavor that is going somewhere, with a bright future that they can be an important part of. The best advisors recognize this and go out of their way to share their compelling vision of the practice’s future with all of their staff. They take the time to describe what the practice could be in five years’ time, and how each team member fits into that dream. And they go a step further and ask their staff to contribute their own thoughts and dreams to the collective vision for the practice.
The idea of creating that compelling vision is not just about writing a paragraph that hides in your business plan, it’s about inspiring staff to get behind a future and a role that they can aspire to.
Recognize extra effort #
Everyone wants to feel their hard work is valued and appreciated. As a top advisor aiming to build and inspire a high-performing team, it’s crucial to acknowledge and reward exceptional efforts whenever possible. Celebrate the moments when employees go above and beyond—whether it’s resolving a claim promptly for a distressed client or thoughtfully sending a sympathy note to a grieving family.
The key is to highlight actions that exemplify excellence in your eyes. It might be a creative solution for new parents facing challenges or demonstrating remarkable patience with a frustrated client. Recognizing these efforts not only reinforces positive behavior but also cultivates a culture of dedication and care within your team.
Recognition doesn’t have to be complicated. A heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way in showing appreciation. It can be as simple as handing out printed cards or small tokens that express gratitude. The value lies in the gesture, not the size or cost of the reward.
Even the smallest act of recognition can have a big impact, making the recipient feel seen and valued. It’s these moments of appreciation that inspire people to keep giving their best and striving for excellence.
Encourage staff to delight clients #
Many advisors and their teams are drawn to this profession by a genuine desire to help others. Helping someone not only fulfills that purpose but also fosters pride and satisfaction in their work. Encourage this innate drive to make a difference by cultivating a culture where staff are empowered to treat clients with the same care and respect they’d hope to receive themselves.
The foundation of this culture is leadership by example. Consistently demonstrate empathy, exceed client expectations, and seek out opportunities to offer unexpected support. Innovate to eliminate client frustrations, andfrustrations and approach every interaction with a mindset of going above and beyond. When your team sees you modeling these behaviors and witnesses the positive impact on clients, they’ll be inspired to follow suit, creating extraordinary client experiences.
Clear roadblocks #
Everyone feels frustrated by slow processes, unnecessary admin, and obstacles that hinder progress. Great managers understand this and work to elevate their teams by removing these roadblocks. They’re constantly asking, “How can I help you?”
By streamlining workflows, using technology to reduce administrative burdens, and finding ways to help team members focus on what they do best, these managers minimize frustration and enable employees to work at their highest potential on the tasks that matter most.
Encourage staff to contribute to the ‘idea’ of the practice #
Encourage every team member to speak up and share their ideas about the direction of the practice. Inviting feedback on what can be improved or done differently not only enhances business processes but also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among staff. The more involved your team is in shaping the business, the more motivated they’ll be to contribute to its success.
Create an environment where staff feel empowered to share their thoughts and ideas. Take their feedback seriously, and implement as many suggestions as possible. Don’t hesitate to experiment—try putting ideas into action and observe the results. By doing so, you’ll boost morale, energize the team, and inspire a shared commitment to the ongoing growth and development of the practice.
Wrap up #
The best advisors often excel as managers, consistently inspiring their teams to surpass expectations. They craft and communicate a compelling vision for the company, offering staff a future they can aspire to. Natural leaders, they recognize and reward employees who go above and beyond for both clients and colleagues.
These advisors foster an environment where staff are encouraged to create exceptional client experiences while working to eliminate obstacles that may hinder their efforts. They actively listen to feedback and take action, making employees feel valued and integral to the business’s success. Advisors who excel at motivating their teams unlock the full potential of their most valuable resource—people.
