Steve’s post yesterday about motivating support staff with unsigned checks was one of our most-read in some time. It clearly spoke to people, but it also repelled some folks, who said:
We just don’t have the cash flow to risk those rewards.
Okay, I get it, but I wonder if you’re using that as an excuse.
- How about additional vacation days?
- How about parties or trips?
- How about bosses washing cars? Or cooking steaks? Or babysitting?
Get creative. What would matter most to your employees?
You don’t know? Ask them.
Engaged employees are motivated employees. Don’t let money be an excuse.
Also… would you believe that money is actually a distant fourth when it comes to employee motivation?
It’s true… we’ll tell you about the first three M’s tomorrow.
How about you? Any additional ideas?
I did a contest with HVAC service techs, centered around who could enroll the most customers in one of our service agreements in a month. I spent less than $200 on a 12 GA Pump Shotgun, brought it into the meeting, pumped it as if I was putting a shell into the barrel (for effect) and told them about the contest. Immediately, at least 4 of the guys said, “I can tell you right now, that’s mine.” I don’t believe that $200 cash would’ve have had nearly the same impact. Probably not even $500.
Most of my career I have work for big monolithic companies like CBS or Clear Channel where nearly every breath was tracked. It made it hard to do something extra for employees. So I invented a program called “Ray Days” for staff. A “Ray Day” was given to staff when they went above and beyond the call. It was private recognition of their good work. Corporate never knew (until now anyway) I covered the work the employee had been assigned. The only record was kept by me and the employee. No one ever asked for one based on the effort they put in. They knew I would see it and recognize their efforts.
*Standing. Applauding.*
It’s amazing how little it takes, Alan. We were at Texas Roadhouse last night, and our waitress was in a monthly contest for email signups… just $100/month to the winner… which I thought was kinda cheap, but it didn’t seem cheap to her.