National Learning Institute

Motivating others

Motivating others is not giving rewards

There is a clear distinction between RECOGNITION and REWARDS.  For the new manager, this is a vital concept to understand as it can affect the motivation of your people.

• Recognition is given as acknowledgment of something that has been done well or in appreciation for good performance. It is normally unexpected. It can include praise, thanks and both tangible and intangible gifts.
• Rewards are previously known benefits that are expected when a certain level of performance is achieved. They include, wages, salaries, benefits and incentives.

Of the two, recognition is by far the more powerful motivator in both the short and long term.  Additionally, managers always have control over recognition, but not always over rewards.

Tips for providing recognition . . .

• Ensure people have variety in their roles
• Personally praise people when they perform up to or beyond your expectations. Thank them in person, write them a short note; send them an email or publicly (as appropriate to the person) thank them at the next team meeting
• Provide extra responsibility to those who seek it
• Include people who are good performers in prestigious events (e.g. visit to a customer/supplier, another city / state / country)
• Select people who are performing well to attend prestigious / exclusive training courses

For further reading, go to "Motivation" and *Recognition"