Ask any successful business owner or leader the key to their success and nearly all – if they are honest – will tell you it’s their team.  

In the competitive battleground of travel agents vs OTAs (Online Travel Agents), keeping your team motivated will be more important than ever.

When you combine the energy, knowledge and skills of a motivated group of people, this becomes a potent mix that can help your business reach its goals much faster.

Try these 9 simple ways to keep the members of your team motivated and giving their very best.

1. HELP THEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR VALUE

Travel professionals come to the table with experience that customers are hard-pressed to find when they’re exploring travel options online, particularly when self-directed. This is at the centre of what makes them valuable.  

This should be at the forefront of your communication with your team, the knowledge and level they possess cannot be found anywhere online.

By them understanding this, they will have a greater sense of self-importance and go about their work with duty and pride.

2. PROVIDE THEM WITH A PLEASANT PLACE TO WORK

This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many businesses consider this as non-important.

Everyone wants to work in an environment that is clean and stimulating, if your team works in a place that makes them feel good, this will trickle down to their interactions with customers.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make an office a more pleasant place to be – even simple things like offering free tea and coffees can make a big difference.

3. BE HONEST AND COMMUNICATE

Honesty is an honourable attribute in anyone, especially a leader. If you are honest with your team about the problems you may be facing, you will come across more human and they will be more likely to want to work with you to resolve them. Furthermore, they may have some fresh ideas that you haven’t thought of. You don’t need to have the answers to everything!

When a business goes through change, such as switching to a more digital-focused strategy, it’s natural that some of your team will become anxious especially if this is out of their comfort zone in terms of experience and knowledge. Any change should be clearly communicated why this is happening and what it means to them. This should always be done in a positive manner and will help relieve their anxiety and make them excited about the future.

4. SET CLEAR GOALS

Crucial time can be lost when people are not aware what are their objectives and priorities. Teams should be kept up to date with what their individual goals are as well as those of the team and the company. This way they will feel included as part of the bigger picture of the company and understand how their own contribution is part of that.

5. ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY

You will never know what hidden talents lie within your team if you don’t ask. Hold regular meetings with your team to get their ideas about how to do things differently. This could be especially relevant if you are embarking on a new inbound marketing strategy. Sourcing ideas from your team on interesting blogs, videos and social ideas will keep things fresh and your team energised.

6. OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT

The members of your team will be more valuable to you, and to themselves, when they have opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge. Provide your team with the training they need to advance in their careers and to become more knowledgeable. Bedsonline regularly offers training on the latest products and destinations for their clients.

7. DON’T PUNISH FAILURE

We all make mistakes. It's part of being human. The key is to learn valuable lessons from those mistakes so we don't make them again. When members of your team make honest mistakes, don't punish them – instead talk through where they went wrong, how they could have done things differently and encourage them to try again.

8. DON’T MICROMANAGE

No one likes someone who constantly looks over their shoulder second-guessing their every decision. Provide your team with clear goals (see point 4, above), and then let them figure out the best way to achieve them.

9. ENCOURAGE FUN

By its very nature, work can be stressful and tiring. There is no better way to create a bond in your team than creating an opportunity to let off some steam and have some fun together. Organise regular activities out of work like bowling or paint balling, you’ll be amazed at how much this boosts your team’s performance.