Let's start with your own suggestions. Before you read any more of this blog, please stop, hit the comments link at the bottom of the post (next to the time), and type your top 3 ideas for motivating people in non-monetary ways. When you do it, make sure to hit the "subscribe by email" link on the bottom of your comment box. That will make sure you get to see what everyone else suggests (including me).
With that, I'll be back in less than a week with my content on this thread. I promise. First I want to see your ideas. I promise to steal them shamelessly!
Motivation is tricky because it really needs to be tailored to the individual, but here are the top 3 I could think of right now:
ReplyDelete1. Offer extra paid time-off. No cash needed but there is a cost and this could be used for both individuals or groups.
2. Communicate more praise, regularly, in public forums, such as staff or org meetings. Have your managers make suggestions on the individuals or teams that made significant contributions. You now are helping to increase the pride of the manager plus the selected contibutors.
3. Communicate openly and try to show that your department, org, or company has a plan during uncertain times. This may not be a motivator, but it could eliminate the de-motivating dark cloud hanging over your people.
I'm really looking forward to seeing some other ideas that I can steal too. Thanks.
Thanks Joe. I agree with 2 and 3, but feel that 1 is still a monetary reward. Still, focusing on 2 and 3, communications is key. I especially like 3. Focusing on the path forward and a plan that people can rally around is inspirational. Better to stick to what you can control than to be depressed by what is outside your sphere of influence.
ReplyDeleteHere's a couple more that spring to mind for me, a good portion of which come courtesy of Phil (http://www.philwillis.com.au). I hope to see a few more from the readers of this post.
1. Identify those people making a difference and bring them into decision making/discussions at more senior levels. This both shows people they can make a difference and brings out the best in them
2. Go to a person or people making a difference in the organization and ask them how you can help them be successful. IF they ask for something (you'd be surprised at how often they don't), then move heaven and earth to make that happen for them
3. Take the team to a local museum and talk about what inspires them, how it relates to work, and how what they are doing is similar (this may be a monetary award for some, but for those of us lucky enough to live in close proximity to the Smithsonian it's free... :) )
4. Reward with status (inviting high performers as guests to meetings they ordinarily wouldn't get invited to - or skip level meetings)
5. A handwritten note
6. Provide telecommuting options to people who could benefit from the flexibility and lack of distractions
7. And when in doubt, ask! Ask people how they'd like to be rewarded. Some people might be motivated by a title, a paper hat, a green jacket, or being asked what's important to them...
Some resources that you may also find useful include the following:
http://www.hrworld.com/features/25-employee-rewards/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2089307_reward-employees-money.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Reward-Employees-Without-Spending-Money&id=1467281
Now I'm off to implement a few of these plus Joe's suggestions... Please keep the ideas coming!
You've covered some great suggestions on your August 18th blog. Here is another one to consider:
ReplyDeleteA parking spot reserved for the individual for a set period of time. One next to the entrance visible for all others to see.
Something simplistic can often motivate people even more than a cash bonus.
ReplyDeleteie "Stroke the ego."
eg Recognition within the company in the form of a merit pin or award, can motivate a person to strive win, to be the best in the company at what they do.
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ReplyDelete