What Managing a Convenience Store Could Teach You About Managing a Project Team

 

Once upon a time, almost in another life, I spent some time working behind the counter at a convenience store to earn a little extra money. It certainly wasn't the most complicated job I ever had, but it did have its challenges. So when I noticed an article about motivating people within the convenience store industry, I couldn't help but take a few minutes and read through it. I have to admit, those things that make us similar are far greater than those that make us different

Like project leaders, motivating employees is a challenge faced by the operators of convenience stores. Citing Human Resource expert Todd Patkin, John Lofstock writes, "People will never admit it, but money is not the thing they desire most from their work. Instead, showing appreciation, respect, and, yes, even love are the three most important ways to make you people feel great about their work. Happy, engaged employees are the single best way to impact your company's bottom line."

Although money is important, there are numerous studies that suggest that it's not the most important reason people are motivated at work. "As a leader, I quickly found that if my team was content and their work environment was a positive one, they would be more engaged and motivated, and they would truly care about our organization's future," Patkin said.

The article suggests a number of tactics he uses to motivate people which are worth the read, however most of them boil down to a couple of the themes we talk about here on a fairly regular basis:

1. Communicate goals and objectives
2. Recognize accomplishments and share success stories
3. Have positive interactions with the team

Although this sounds pretty simple, it doesn't just happen. It takes effort.

What do you to do to foster a positive project environment to help encourage a happy team?