Management Success – The Power of Gratitude
November 25, 2009 by JoAnn Corley
Filed under Employee Motivation, Management Success
There is nothing more powerful to impact employee motivation and employee retention than to say, “Thank You.”
It’s been consistently reported that many employees don’t feel valued and appreciated. Please know that does impact their ability to really give their best. Only the unique few will do their best inspite of the absence of appropriate thank yous. And I believe, at some point, that won’t go on forever.
One manager I met in one of my pubic seminars shared that she had written 100+ hand written notes to her whole department! Wow….what does that say about her besides the fact that she has a strong writing hand? I’m sure you could come up with a constructive list.
The irony? Companies spend thousands and some millions on employee incentive, reward and recognition programs. Yet a simple “thank you” cost absolutely nothing!
Coaching Questions: Does every member of your team feel appreicated? When is the last time you gave a heart-felt thank you to members of your staff?
One cool idea: One company due to extended work hours, sent thank you gifts to the families of those working all those long hours.
Source: 1001 Ways to Reward Employees
TSUWAEE7ADR5
Employee Rewards, Awards and Incentives – Customize it!
January 27, 2009 by JoAnn Corley
Filed under Career Development
It’s that time when as managers and leaders, we’ve got to get creative during these challenging economic times.
We may not have the resources at our finger tips as in the past to give out the kind of rewards, awards, and incentives we’re use to. BUT that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. In fact – IT MUST BE DONE – now more than ever!
We’ve got to make extra effort to keep our retained employees positive and productive. So, here’s a creative way to have reward, awards, and incentives – customize it!
How?…in two ways. First customize individually by surveying each team member and asking them the 5 top ways they would like to be rewarded…you can guide their answers by offering several contexts. Ideas of categories: less than $25.00, free, an intangible..(ie. Choice of a pet project, title change, a “snooze card” where they get to come in late)…OR you give them a sheet with a variety of options and ASK THEM to check off their top 5 choices.
Additionally, customize it with the entire team. Ask the team to come up with interesting and creative awards, rewards or incentives that are within realistic boundaries for your organization.
Let’s be creative and pull together. Now in the spirit of best practices, let me know what you come up with and I’ll be happy to post it here.
Book Rec: 1001 in Ways to Reward Employees is a great resource for ideas gathered from companies across the country. You can review here..1001 Ways to Reward Employees
There are also additional books written by the author Robert Nelson, who is considered the “guru” of employee motivation.
