Check out the surprising “reward” employees don’t want.

Did you know, according to experts, we’re influenced by very particular types of rewards. 

The good news is we’re not a simple as Pavlov’s dogs. 
Which is really too bad. 

Have you heard this theory?

Expected rewards reduce motivation on a task. Therefore if you really want someone to perform well do not give them money, recognition, an extra vacation day or movie passes. Especially no money.   

When a task requires creative or strategic activity, use of financial motivators results in decreased output from high performers. (I’m pretty sure I read this in Decoded Company. Great Book. I highly recommend it)
*Please note: Not being paid enough for doing the task is a HUGE demotivator. This is just common sense folks.

Conversely, surprise rewards increase motivation on the same task.

So, for improved performance, should you hire a motivational singing telegram to drop in on each team member? (I actually like this idea a lot. I may add it to my product offering.) Or have a random balloon drop and fill the balloons with every employees’ favorite candy?  (I like this idea a lot too) While these are surprising, and seem really fun, are they rewards anyone really wants? If you think so, please call me to order your singing telegram.

This is all based on theories of extrinsic (external) and intrinsic (internal) rewards. This article explains it beautifully. http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/10/how-rewards-can-backfire-and-reduce-motivation.php Basically, when we like something and are good at it we are motivated by doing it, because we like it and we are good at it. Yes, we have spent money on scientific research to prove this. Brilliant!

Here’s the tricky part. Supposedly, when we are rewarded for doing something we like, it loses the appeal for us.  Because the rewards are external to the work itself and other people control their size and whether or not they are granted. Really?  I enjoy something, that I’m great at it but as soon as you give money, I lose my motivation to do it.  And here is where I throw the BS flag.

What if you could pay your team members what they think they deserve, to do what they truly enjoy and are naturally good at?

What if that’s all the reward they need?

And yes, I hear you. It’s not that Easy.

What if it is? Wouldn’t that be a nice surprise?

If you are struggling with disengaged employees and all the rewards you’ve tried haven’t change a thing, please click on the link below to sign up for a Free 30 minute Leading with Ease Breakthrough Session.

http://www.betsysexton.com/get-started.html

You’ll be surprised at how easy it can be reward and re-activate your team, and yourself! 


#LeadwithEase #MoneyUnMotivated