Last week we looked at the first letter of the word ‘PRIDE’ as a tool to turn demotivation into motivation. The ‘P’ stands for a POSITIVE environment. How did you do in that area this past week? Were you able to create a more positive environment at home or at work? How did you do it? And how do you plan on sustaining it?
This week we are going to focus on our second key step to…
Recognise and Reward
Your Key Steps Coaching for the week ahead:
P = Create a positive environment.
R = Recognise and reward. There’s a well-known management principle that says, “the things that get rewarded get done”. I would agree with this principle provided we do not make rewards routine (like 13th cheques or incentives), or give them out before the task is done (almost like a bribe) or assume that money is all it takes. Mark Twain once said that he could survive for a whole year on a good compliment. I am sure you can relate to the glow and motivation a sincere “thank you” elicits? I know I can. It’s nice to be appreciated and recognised for the value you add.
How can you do this? Start by catching people doing things right. Often, when things are going wrong, we distort reality and make everything wrong. Look for what people – your team, your partner, your kids, your boss, etc. – are doing right and say “thank you”… say it often, let them know how much you appreciate them and watch their spirits soar and the spring return to their step. As for monetary rewards, I say forget the annual incentive and just pay people well right from the start – make sure it’s enough to take the issue of money off the table. Then focus on recognising their efforts and make sure they know what an important role they fill and how much value they add. Help them to see that they can…
