How to push your team for a better performance (in English)
It’s hard being a manager. There’s constant pressure from above to deliver results, but it’s equally important to approach your team members with sensitivity.
So how should you go about motivating your team effectively? This is where language plays a huge part.
Keep reading, and you’ll get English expressions and strategies to talk to your team in a way that inspires productivity and keeps everyone happy.
1. Acknowledge the good before the bad
Begin the conversation by appreciating the positive aspects of your team’s efforts. Recognize the accomplishments so far, and then address the areas for improvement. For instance:
There’s a lot right with our approach to ____, but there’s also a lot to be done with _____.
Alternatively, you can express it as:
____ has a multitude of strong qualities. Even so, the opportunity to grow is immense.
By combining recognition with phrases like “area for improvement” and “opportunity to grow,” you maintain motivation and foster a positive, problem-solving atmosphere among your colleagues.
“If you want to explain your general location, say that you work at that location. “
2. Use "I" to identify your concerns
When identifying specific issues, frame them as personal concerns. For example, say:
The reservation I have is about _____
Or
XYZ makes me a bit nervous.
This transparency and honesty can build trust within the team. Using “I” and “me” in your language helps avoid sounding accusatory and places the emphasis on shared responsibility.
3. Use "we" to set challenges
To foster a sense of collective purpose, incorporate “we” when discussing upcoming challenges. For instance:
We still have big targets to hit
Or
We know that we really need to do _____
By using “we,” you emphasize that everyone is part of a unified effort, tackling challenges together.
4. Focus on solutions
Maintain a proactive attitude by highlighting solutions. While it’s important to acknowledge the existing challenges, focus on the future. For example, say:
It’s been a challenging time, but we can overcome this by doing _____.
Or
We think we can get significant improvements by doing _____.
You can also frame the challenge as a question, asking, “What is the opportunity here?” This invites ideas for problem-solving and keeps the focus on progress.
In conclusion, if you aim to enhance your team’s performance, employ these motivational strategies in your language:
- Begin by acknowledging achievements before addressing areas for improvement.
- Use “I,” “me,” and “myself” to express concerns, ensuring an honest and non-accusatory tone.
- Incorporate “we” and “our” when discussing goals, promoting a sense of teamwork and collective effort.
- Emphasize problem-solving and opportunities for improvement.
By following these steps, you’ll motivate your colleagues, strengthen team cohesion, and ultimately achieve better results for your company.
Susie Shields
I train people to use English in a professional context. In my one-to-one sessions, online course and social media platforms, you’ll master tools to flourish in your English-speaking workplace. From job interviews to work meetings to presentations and more, you’ll prepare for professional challenges and speak with success.
