, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others' interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether theyWhen trying to read behaviour, recognise that while body language can give clues to motivation levels, it can also be misread. More concrete signals will be provided by the ways in which individuals perform their tasks: this is likely to give you the clearest indication of their motivation. Someone who works cheerfully and efficiently is unlikely to be hiding anything if they greet you with a smile. Likewise, a dour facial expression should only be interpreted adversely if combined with a grumpy "That's-not-my-job" attitude to work.

Positive motivation is often signalled by positive gestures: a smile, an eager pose, and a relaxed manner. When people carry out a task in which they are interested or enthusiastic, they may have a "sparkle" in the eyes, since their pupils actually enlarge. Confident eye contact is also important as a measure of motivation: demotivated people are less likely to look you straight in the eye. Blushing can indicate pleasure, while an increased rate of breathing can indicate enthusiasm - both of these are good signs of motivation.

Motivation can be recognised in a number of ways - look particularly for signs that your staff feel useful, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others' interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether they

ne who works cheerfully and efficiently is unlikely to be hiding anything if they greet you with a smile. Likewise, a dour facial expression should only be interpreted adversely if combined with a grumpy "That's-not-my-job" attitude to work.

Positive motivation is often signalled by positive gestures: a smile, an eager pose, and a relaxed manner. When people carry out a task in which they are interested or enthusiastic, they may have a "sparkle" in the eyes, since their pupils actually enlarge. Confident eye contact is also important as a measure of motivation: demotivated people are less likely to look you straight in the eye. Blushing can indicate pleasure, while an increased rate of breathing can indicate enthusiasm - both of these are good signs of motivation.

Motivation can be recognised in a number of ways - look particularly for signs that your staff feel useful, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others' interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether they

gestures: a smile, an eager pose, and a relaxed manner. When people carry out a task in which they are interested or enthusiastic, they may have a "sparkle" in the eyes, since their pupils actually enlarge. Confident eye contact is also important as a measure of motivation: demotivated people are less likely to look you straight in the eye. Blushing can indicate pleasure, while an increased rate of breathing can indicate enthusiasm - both of these are good signs of motivation.

Motivation can be recognised in a number of ways - look particularly for signs that your staff feel useful, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others' interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether they

e less likely to look you straight in the eye. Blushing can indicate pleasure, while an increased rate of breathing can indicate enthusiasm - both of these are good signs of motivation.

Motivation can be recognised in a number of ways - look particularly for signs that your staff feel useful, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others' interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether they

, optimistic, or able to take opportunities. A team in which each member looks after the others' interests is likely to be a good source of motivation. Look for evidence that your staff are satisfied in their jobs rather than anxious or frustrated. If you find no such signs, ask them whether they are satisfied. You can also establish a good idea of an individual's level of motivation by their attitude towards work. The statements below are all indicative of motivated staff members:

They freely volunteer effort and ideas, as well as other contributions;

They always react well to requests and new assignments;

They work to achieve, not "to rule";

They seem to be happy at work;

They always respond frankly to questions.

Reducing Demotivation:

Workplace demotivation for many people tends to be caused by poor systems or work overload. Very clear signs of demotivation include high levels of absenteeism and quick turnover of staff. Recognising demotivation is pointless unless you intend to eradicate its causes. Remember, too, that poor behaviour and underperformance are not necessarily signs of workplace demotivation. If demotivation remains even when the situation is improved, it may be due to personal problems.

Demotivation may not always be signposted, but look out for defensive, protective actions, such as folding the arms when seated or clenching fists involuntarily. Inattention, the