Message #74207

[Cathy S]

All the cultivation that Gee suggests is valuable and supports improved motivation within a team.

As assistant to the team leader, however,  there is another role you can play in improving motivation across the team.  The Team Leader ultimately sets out the work of the team, even if he/she has reports managing sub teams.  The Team Leader therefore must take an interest in people's work and achievements, and that does mean the team leader showing a personal interest and not sending "well done" via a third party!

Team meetings are great but do remember that not everyone will speak out about their achievements ... so as assistant you could keep awareness of things progressing and provide a nudge when there is something they should be aware of ... just as important  though is to learn who likes a fuss made of them and who prefers quiet acknowledgement.

Perhaps also important is to be aware of the hidden hierarchy within a team ... just because someone has the label "Boss" doesn't necessarily mean they are the leader.  If a Team Leader is seen as weak or not respected there is a vacancy for someone else to adopt the lead ... if that someone else is a demotivating personality the whole team will follow that lead.