Motivation is key to a successfully run business. In the case study given the manager has many problems to deal with, but one is definitely motivation. How can the manager improve motivation? At first, the employees of Perfect Pizzeria were ready and willing to work. Being the manager I wouldn't be so concerned with keeping the percentages low, because as shown it doesn't lead to an accepted performance level. However it tends to yield the wrong message the manager is trying to get across, instead of optimal performance it comes across as greediness so the manager can get a bonus while the employees in return receive nothing for the extra work and concentration toward detail. .
Communication is also important to a business. There is a definite problem with the downward communication between the manager and the employees. This apparent communication problem is leading to increase lateral communication, which is more influential between employees. What can the manager do to improve communication? First, address the employees and ask what issues need to be covered to yield a more efficient business. The workers of the business need to be comfortable with upward communication toward managers to give feedback about polices or any other issues that need attention. This will create a communication channel, which is rich, and lead to fewer problems between manager and employee. .
The most important problem that this manager has is perception. My advice to this manager would be to step back and look how the actions he/she has taken has influenced the business in the last few months. Motivation and communication are all parts of a business and they all are very important. Employees directly interpret perception; which influences motivation and communication favorably or unfavorably. A manager needs to present him or herself in a way that employees are comfortable communicating efficiently with them to yield a rich channel.
