Have you ever wondered why some teams are fully engaged and motivated to achieve organizational goals? It’s likely because they work in environments that leverage emotional intelligence to foster resilience, innovation, and productivity.

According to the latest Gallup report, 51% of employees are disengaged, and 13% are actively disengaged. This challenge is further intensified by the demands of remote and hybrid teams. The Harvard Business Review found that motivation dropped by 17% when employees were forced to shift to working from home.

To create an efficient, supportive, and outcome-driven team in today’s evolving workplace, you need a development plan that blends long-term strategies with immediate wins to enhance both internal and external engagement and motivation. Emotional intelligence is vital in this process. It enables leaders to understand and address their team’s needs and emotions effectively. While this article doesn’t focus solely on emotional intelligence, its principles are embedded in these practical strategies for quick wins:

Enhancing Internal Motivation

The most powerful motivation is self-driven. While employees ultimately control their own thoughts, you can create conditions that encourage a growth mindset and harness emotional intelligence.

Clarify Purpose

Help employees understand their tasks and how they fit into the bigger picture. Share your vision and mission. Set measurable goals with clear accountability. For example, during a team meeting, explain how an employee’s innovative solution improved community services and constituent outcomes. Use emotional intelligence to gauge and address any uncertainties or concerns your team might have.

Facilitate Reflection

Ensure discussions go beyond tasks and deadlines. Provide frequent opportunities for team members to voice their opinions about what’s working and what needs to change. For instance, hold monthly reflection sessions where team members discuss their experiences and suggest improvements. Be empathetic and attentive to their feedback to create a supportive environment.

Encourage Innovation

Value creativity, even if initial results fall short. Support your team in learning from experience and taking calculated risks. For example, implement a “fail-fast” initiative that allows employees to propose and test new ideas with minimal risk. Use your emotional intelligence to recognize and celebrate their efforts and manage any frustration constructively.

Empower Employees

Resist the urge to micromanage. Show confidence in their judgment and abilities. Allow them to take responsibility for completing their assignments in their own way. For instance, assign projects with broad goals and let team members determine their own methods for achieving them. Be aware of their emotional states and offer support when needed.

Set Realistic Goals

Enthusiasm for a project increases when goals are challenging yet feasible. Regularly review project goals to ensure they are ambitious but attainable and provide support where needed. Emotional intelligence helps you understand when to push for more and when to offer encouragement.

Schedule One-on-One Meetings

Use individual sessions to address personal issues, share in-depth feedback, and focus on career development. Aim to meet with each member at least once a month. For instance, use these meetings to discuss career aspirations and tailor development plans accordingly. Approach these meetings with empathy and active listening to strengthen your relationship.