Incentives that motivate
by Miki SaxonIncentives can be great motivators when combined with the right culture and presented in the right way.
Incentives don’t have to be expensive, whether they involve money or stuff. Even then, if you go one step further and combine them with a high-visibility presentation the effect will increase exponentially. In other words, make receiving [whatever] a big deal. Awards should always be accompanied by the “sound of trumpets, roll of drums,” whether real or imaginary.
An engineering vp I used to work with gave away company pens, the good ones done for clients, whenever an engineer solved an especially sticky problem, offered extra help, thought of a unique solution, etc. But he didn’t just walk over and hand the engineer the pen; instead, he presented it at meetings when everyone in the department was present, described why the person was getting it, how much he appreciated the effort, and the impact it would have on the project, etc. The pens became a badge of honor and everyone worked extra hard to earn one.
Good chocolate is an excellent small reward for daily accomplishments. My favorite is from Scharffen Berger, it’s exceptionally good chocolate (including dark, my favorite:), and one product, in particular, lends itself really well to a small rewards function.
Many kinds of food, fruit, cheese, etc., also work.
Buy several annual family memberships to various museums, zoos, etc. Besides normal access, most offer special visitation nights to special exhibits and holiday showings.
Create company money worth various amounts (10/25/50 cents, $X) that can be accumulated during the year and redeemed to buy whatever someone wants. (Avoid surprises by tracking the outstanding debit.)
Putting various prizes in custom fortune cookies is a great motivator (there are many vendors from which to choose); they lend them selves to the same kind of excitement as the grand prize spin on Wheel of Fortune.
Plants and flowers are yield results far beyond their cost.
Buy stuff that can be taken apart and give the parts as prizes. People can trade and swap parts with each other to complete their thing faster.
Coupons to used book or music stores, both virtual and local. (Remember that dollars go a lot further at used stores.)
Create Best [whatever] awards, modeled on the Oscars, and name them. Have various categories within the company and within each department, including separate awards for managers. Nominations should come from colleagues and bosses. Present the awards annually at a special dinner or, possibly, combine with the company’s Holiday party. With the right buzz they can have the same effect as the Oscars, increasing pride and conferring bragging rights.
Finally, tap your people for more ideas, just be sure to have loud fun with whatever you choose to do.
