5 experts tell us how to motivate your colleagues at work

There are many ways to give constructive feedback: There’s the sandwich method, where you “sandwich” the criticism between a couple of compliments. Then there’s the feed-forward technique, where you include your feedback in a future scenario. For example, “The next time you have to post on social media, don't forget to check that the hashtags are spelt correctly."

But the truth is that giving feedback is not just a once-a-year routine during appraisal time. In fact, when it comes to motivating your team, or even your peers, there’s no wrong time to send them a word, or even a gesture, of positive reinforcement. Here are some ways you can make them feel validated, heard and an important part of the team.

Recognise their potential

“One powerful way to encourage others is to recognise their potential. Doing so conveys that you believe in them, and see them for their best self. So, take effort to notice what others do well. For example, you can say: ‘I see how your all-rounded thinking makes our analysis more robust.’” – Yeo Chuen Chuen, managing director, Acesense Agile Leadership, and author of Leaders People Love

Avoiding pointing fingers

“In leadership, it's not just pointing out flaws; it's guiding and positively reinforcing the path to excellence. The impact of positive reinforcement is transformative through consistently guiding and uplifting, recognising strengths, and fostering a culture of support. Through positive reinforcement, leaders not only inspire continuous improvement but also create a motivated, high-performing environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to exceed their own expectations. An example could be: 'Thank you for your contribution in xx. I've noticed your interest in xx skill. Our company would like to offer you the opportunity of xx to further develop your expertise. Your commitment to growth is commendable.” – Catherine Li-Yunxia, Global CEO & C-Suite coach

Cultivate a culture of clear communication  

“As a leader, you can create an environment where employees feel supported and aligned with the company's goals by clearly communicating the 'why' behind tasks, having consistent check-ins, and being approachable. Regular meetings ensure workload optimisation and conflict resolution, and ultimately rewards, recognises and articulates the impact of an individual’s contribution to the goals and purpose of the company.” – Priyanka Tiku Gupta, founder of wellness organisation PTG Wellness

Practise active listening

“It's important to give credit and express gratitude to your colleagues. A simple 'Thank you for your help' or 'Well done on the presentation' can go a long way in building the habit of positive encouragement. Practising active listening is also equally important, where you fully concentrate and pay attention to your colleagues when they're speaking. This gesture will convey respect and appreciation for their ideas/ perspectives.” – Sandra Wang, founder of Kind Mind Coaching 

Celebrate small wins

“Positive reinforcement at the workplace can start with celebrating small wins while building a culture of encouragement and shared success. Acknowledging the ‘why’ behind actions, praising initiative and creativity while facing challenges is encouraging.” – Ruchi Parekh, executive/career/life coach, and lawyer