Helping Good Leaders Face Tough Realities
 

Random rewards really work.  Last issue, I wrote that incentive programs are a copout.  They appeal to leaders who want to avoid being a leader and wistfully believe that they can put another person's performance on "auto-pilot."   I also wrote that it is the "Institutionalizing" of incentives that is the bad idea, not incentives themselves.

Great leadership is measured by whether they do what you want freely and willingly.  You want people to do their work because they want to, and because they believe in it.  You want them to own it, not simply be following orders.  The best way to do this is to notice them doing it right. 

Reward the behaviour the moment it occurs.  The best leader will act right on the spot.  The best reward is a sincere and appreciative recognition of what they did.   I like to say, "Hey, you're good!  That's really impressive how you did that."    I also like to say, "Hey, you're more than just a pretty face!"  Being

A competent leader will deliver their random reward within 24 hours.  You might send them home early if the work got done.  You might give them a gift certificate for dinner at a nice restaurant.  I once suggested to a client who wanted his employees to start on time that he stand at the door before 7:00 a.m and hand out chocolate bars to every employee who arrived on time.  Then disappear at 7:00am sharp. 

Waiting too long loses the impact.  Being "present" enough to notice what they did right will help you to W.I.N. by doing What's Important...Now!  Don't wait. 

Your success at motivating people to do what you want will skyrocket if you first know what it is that you want.  Most of my coaching clients struggle with this basic issue - they don't know what behavior change they want.   They just feel frustrated and want the person to change - as if hoping that some magical and delusional miracle will occur.

Random rewards works because you don't set up expectations.  Expectations are the number one reason employees get unhappy.  When you don't set up a routine, there is no routine to break.  Everything seems like a bonus, not a disappointment compared to the last 'payout.' 

If you really want to have fun, throw in the occasional reward for no reason at all!  It sends the message that you care and that not all rewards have to be "earned."

Enjoy your summer,

John Kuypers

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