4 Ways to Turn Your Employees Into an All-Star TeamNow that we're in what baseball enthusiasts call the 'dog days of summer,' consider these tips for motivating your staff to be winners.

ByTrevor Turnbull

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

cbssports.com

With Major League Baseball's All-Star Game and Home Run Derby officially in the books for this year, we have reached whatbaseballenthusiasts call the "dog days of summer." It is the mid-summer stretch where teams have reached the midpoint of their season, with some franchises still vying for a playoff berth while others are quickly counting down the days until next season.

Regardless of a team's situation, MLB managers are tasked with the duty of keeping their players focused, motivated and having fun at the ballpark during these long days of summer. Here are four ways you canmotivate your own team:

1. Switch up the routine.
For most employees, there comes a time when they feel less motivated, unproductive and, perhaps, unable to handle their current workload. Varying your employees' daily routine -- no matter how big or small -- can re-energize them to produce results at higher levels.

For example, during the summer months, the National Football League cuts its employees loose at 2 p.m. on Fridays to lessen its employees' time spent at the office. If you have down times in your business, use them as an opportunity to give your staff an extra break to recharge their batteries.

Related:从总决赛经验在商业领导

2. Get your team out of the office.
Take a breather away from the office and enjoy the summer months. You could enjoy a minor league baseball game with your staff or organize a company softball tournament. Plan a company picnic focused on team-building and engage in sports activities such as frisbee, flag football and street hockey.

This simple motivational tip can keep your employees productive and excited to work for an employer that understands that everyone needs a break once in a while from the confines of their cubicle when the sun is shining.

3. Incentivize your employees.
Incentivizing your employees with rewardscan boost the morale and competitivenessof your workforce.

Offering paid-company lunches, extra personal days or free massages can promote better productivity and also display an appreciation for your staff. By providing incentives, your team can be more inclined to make that additional sales call or write that last minute business proposal to help the company meet its goals.

Related:NHL Playoffs: Lessons in Building a Winning Sales Team

4.放松,但保持专注。
While it's important to recharge during the summer months, it can be easy to lose focus, get distracted and sometimes stop working altogether. It's imperative to remember that whether you are on top of your industry or chasing the leader,your competition does not stop workingin the summer months.

How do you keep your team motivated during the dog days of summer?Let us know in the comments below.

Trevor Turnbull

Co-Founder, Online Reputation Strategist & Podcast Host at WPAuthorities.com

Vancouver, Canada-basedTrevor Turnbullis COO of sports news siteSports Networkerand theSports Executives Association, where he manages content production, social marketing and community development.

Related Topics

Business News

These Are the Top Rated Cruises in the World, According to a New Report

Conde Nast Traveler recently released its list of readers' top cruises across six categories.

Business News

'It's Getting Worse By the Week': Kevin O'Leary Issues Grave Warning About Commercial Real Estate Industry

The "Shark Tank" star spoke to impending devaluation of stocks in the industry on FOX Business' "Varney & Co."

Devices

These Translation Earbuds Know 37 Languages, and They're Only $89.97

Translating earbuds could help you do business in many different languages.

Business News

'We Don't Sleep Well Anymore': Airbnb Host Grapples With 'Tenant From Hell' Who Refuses to Leave

An Airbnb guest rented a guesthouse for a long-term stay in 2021 but has since remained in the unit for over 540 days — without paying rent.

Business News

Victoria Beckham Says She Grew Up 'Very Working Class' — Her Husband, David Beckham, Would Beg to Differ

The couple's disagreement was caught on camera for their hit Netflix docuseries, "Beckham."

Thought Leaders

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read Before Starting a Business

A selection of books that helped me found and scale a startup from a $10,000 line of credit to a billion-dollar business