3 painless ways to pump up productivity

The key goal for a manager is getting optimum team productivity for an extended period.

Productivity is the ultimate measure of supervisors’ effectiveness, because it engenders better business outcomes. Highly productive employees stay at their jobs longer and have higher rates of job satisfaction. These dialed-in superstars are the backbone of any operation.

Of course, getting increased productivity while maintaining an empathetic, happy work environment is no easy task. Here are three tactics to try:

1. Deliver career value to the employee. 

An employee who deeply believes you have her best career interests at heart will run through walls for you. That means you must be transparent about how increases in her productivity will lead to what she wants—not what you want or what the organization wants.

If you mislead her about this and don’t deliver, you’ll lose her forever. Be proactive about supporting your team. Mentor your employees, and give them ample opportunities for professional development. Put in the time for personal guidance, and put your money where your mouth is for conferences, software or whatever else your colleagues need to succeed.