Reward Requires Action

(The last two issues of the Newsletter covered Part 1: "The Dilemma in Today's Corporate World: To Manage or to Lead that is the Question", Part 2: "The Role of Recognizing in Leading.": This series presented the first two parts of the concept of using the 3-R's of Leadership. Today is Part 3 of the three  "R's" - "Reward."

Everyone enjoys getting a reward for work that they produce or for actions that they share. People may work for the reward of a paycheck or for the self-fulfilling reward that comes from a job well done. Rewards can be a variety of different things to different people, but whatever rewards are they mean nothing if they are withheld. As a motivational speaker, I believe in rewarding my audience for attending and I reward anyone who participates in activities in the program. The result of this action is that more people volunteer, my programs are more successful, and the audience is more willing to learn because everyone's actions are being rewarded.

      Rewards simply put are something that someone considers to have value, it is not necessarily of a costly value. Have you ever been given a reward and while you know it didn't cost someone a great deal, the reward itself was invaluable. Some of the rewards I have enjoyed the most probably cost businesses the least. One was a special parking spot that designated me as the employee of the year, Other rewards were, an add in the newspaper with my photo stating that I had been nominated as Humanitarian of the Year, my name in the company newsletter for completing a project, a free ticket for a drawing,  or a special card. 

      If we are creative in how we reward the people we work with and for, then our rewards are very likely going to be something they enjoy. If your not sure what they would like for a reward then ask! Remember that rewards reinforce a desired behavior. Therefore, if I reward your hard work with a little time off or a special parking space, then I have reinforced your willingness to go the extra mile again. Remember there is usually very little traffic on the extra mile highway. Therefore, it is vital that we reward those who are willing to travel that road. We get more of the behaviors that we reward, because we reinforce that behavior. Remember that if everyone in the world is not as motivated as we are and there are many reasons for this. Because some people lack motivation, it is our task and challenge to help reward them and motivate them to participate. Without getting into a psychology lesson let me share that I have used this approach in every area of my life and career. I seek rewards that have value to the recipient, often I ask them what they would like, and sometimes I try out new ideas someone outside our area has thought of. 

Exercise:      

Rewards should be used in all areas of our life. At home, we should reward those we love including ourselves. However, remember that rewards require actions. Good intentions often fall short, because they fail to get done. Most rewards take 10 minutes or less to complete. (I use the 10-minute rule - for more information on applying the 10-minute rule contact us.) Keep a variety of either humorous sticky notes, special cards, or stickers with you at all times - pick them up when you are out on another errand. Then when someone does something a stop and grab a note, sticky note or sticker and immediately go reward that person for what they have done. It isn’t the sticky notes that make the people feel appreciated it is the acknowledgement and the fact that someone took the time to personally acknowledge them. With technology, we lose some of the personal touch by only texting or emailing, a call and a handwritten note show that you put forth extra effort. Whom can you appreciate today! Keep your eyes and ears open and you may be discover there are more opportunities than you may have first thought.

Quote:

REWARD is self-explanatory it means
Realizing Everyone's Worth and Assuring Recognition is Delivered. By C. Krosky