Here's how you can grasp the emotions and motivations of your team members as a manager.

**Construa Conexões Fortes: Pratique a Escuta Ativa** No meu ponto de vista, o ponto principal é a prática da escuta ativa para entender plenamente as emoções e motivações da equipe. O que me chama a atenção é o valor de prestar atenção total durante as conversas, incluindo linguagem corporal e contato visual. Podemos destacar que essa abordagem fortalece conexões empáticas. Que tal começar hoje mesmo? Ao refletir sobre o que é dito e fazer perguntas esclarecedoras, você demonstrará genuíno interesse nas perspectivas de sua equipe, fortalecendo a confiança e a colaboração.

"Active Listening" is why I consider my background in interviewing/counseling an asset in the workplace. In the counseling world, basic skills we are taught include regular feedback (smiles and nods, mmhmms), paraphrasing (your son was sick this morning? That sounds really awful), scaffolding (your son was sick? What did that look like?), and asking open ended questions (how did you handle your son's sudden cough?). Active listening and empathy is just as much a skill set, a muscle to be honed and developed over time as any other skill. No matter what the industry you're in, whether you're an established accountant or managing a heavy metal band, soft skills and communication skills are the glue that keep millions connected.

Active listening is not just about hearing words; it's about fully comprehending the message being communicated. To grasp my team's emotions and motivations, I give them my undivided attention during conversations. I observe non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact. I reflect on what is said and ask clarifying questions. This shows that I value their input and understand their perspectives, building a stronger, more empathetic connection.

In my experience, active listening has been a key factor in understanding my team's needs and motivations. By paying close attention to their words and non-verbal cues, I can provide better support and create a more cohesive team environment.

A manager must observe team members across various aspects: their commitment and performance, the results they deliver, their discipline and punctuality, and the nature of any conflicts within the team. Indicators of high motivation include promptness and responsiveness to orders and instructions, as well as high energy levels at work. Conversely, frequent absences, a lackadaisical attitude, poor body language, and unkempt appearance signal low motivation levels. By staying attuned to these indicators, a manager can better understand the overall morale and engagement of the team.

Emotional awareness comes in layers. It comes in how well you and your family slept last night, how busy traffic was, how many deadlines are looming, and how well -others- are giving -you- emotional awareness. We seem to keep forgetting that we're all human beings, and not just productivity robots living off company snacks and coffee. If you're not emotionally aware or don't think emotional awareness is important, then don't be surprised when people complain about poor culture or workplace toxicity.

I make it a point to observe my team's emotional states and intervene when necessary. This proactive approach helps in maintaining a positive work atmosphere and ensures that everyone feels supported and valued.

To effectively motivate my team, I need to understand what drives each member. This requires a personalized approach as each individual has unique aspirations and values. I engage in one-on-one discussions to learn about their goals and interests. Recognizing these motivational factors allows me to align tasks with their passions, increasing their enthusiasm and commitment to their work.

One thing I’ve found helpful is having regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss their goals and interests. This helps me assign tasks that align with their passions, boosting their motivation and productivity.

Empathy is a powerful tool in understanding and managing team emotions. As a manager, I strive to put myself in my team members' shoes, especially during challenging times. This empathetic approach not only helps in resolving conflicts but also strengthens the bond between us. It demonstrates that I care about their well-being, which can boost morale and loyalty.

In my experience, showing empathy has been crucial in building strong relationships with my team. By understanding their perspectives and challenges, I can provide better support and foster a more loyal and motivated team.

I always aim to provide feedback that is constructive and supportive. Focusing on specific behaviors rather than personal traits helps my team understand what they can improve on without feeling criticized.

Providing constructive feedback is essential for my team's growth and development. When discussing performance, I focus on specific behaviors rather than personal traits. I frame feedback in a way that is helpful and supportive, not critical. This approach helps my team members understand their impact and encourages them to improve without feeling demotivated or disheartened.

Establishing an open line of communication where team members feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings is crucial. Show genuine interest and empathy by actively listening and acknowledging their perspectives. It is really important to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Try to be as transparent as possible and consistent in your actions, demonstrating reliability and integrity. As a leader I prioritise trust-building, it is essential to create a supportive atmosphere where understanding and collaboration thrive, enabling me to better grasp and address the emotions and motivations of my teams.

People will not always be honest - it's an unfortunate side effect of the human experience. What you should watch above all else is actions. Actions will tell you more about what a person is thinking and going through over any words that come out of their mouth. If you want to truly understand your team - observe them.

The work environment, freedom of expression, and terms and conditions of employment significantly impact employees' emotions and motivation levels. Functional efficiency is enhanced when employees have adequate resources and the right tools to work without hassle. Key factors such as rewards, recognition, compensation, and benefits play a crucial role in employee motivation. A manager must proactively monitor how the organization addresses these tangible and intangible factors. By carefully analyzing these elements, the manager can gain valuable insights into the emotional and motivational state of their team members.

Tuning into people's emotions and feelings is an intuitive process and often reveals where the 'real' story lies i.e. it reveals the story behind the story. One of the best ways to do this is to use curiosity, as this removes any judgment and creates a safe space to help them open up & explore. Great leaders are not afraid to do this; to be courageous enough to ask the real questions even if they may not like what they hear.