Nelson’s Ten Commandments of Recognition

Bob Nelson believes that today’s workforce may be more motivated by apersonal thank-you than a pay raise. He shares his top 10 ways (in order ofpriority) to motivate employees:

1. Personally thank employees for doing a good job. Thank them face-to-face,in writing, or both. Do it early, often, and sincerely.

2. Take the time to meet with and listen to employees–as much as they needor want.

3. Provide specific feedback about performance of the person, the department,and the organization.

4. Strive to create a work environment that is open, trusting, and fun.Encourage new ideas and initiative.

5. Provide information on how the company makes and loses money, upcomingproducts and strategies for competing in the marketplace, and how the personfits into the overall plan.

6. Involve employees in decisions, especially as those decisions affect them.

7. Provide employees with a sense of ownership in their work and workenvironment.

8. Recognize, reward, and promote people according to their performance; dealwith low and marginal performers so that they either improve or leave.

9. Give people a chance to grow and learn new skills; show them how you canhelp them meet their goals within the context of the organization’s goals.Create partnerships with employees.

10. Celebrate successes of the company, of the department, and ofindividuals. Take time for team- and morale-building meetings and activities.

Workforce, April 2003, p. 50 — Subscribe Now!