The Manager's Pocket Guide to Motivating Employees

CHAPTER 8

Motivating with Rewards and Recognition

Reward is defined in the dictionary as something given or received in recompense for worthy behavior or in retribution for evil acts. I think it is useful for managers to understand that reward is given for worthy behavior. When managers reward behavior, the employee wants to repeat that behavior.

It is very important for managers to understand that reward is a key tool in establishing a motivating environment. As Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Compliments have an amazing impact on employees. If we consider rewards, almost all rewards are an expression of a compliment. Rewards say to an employee “You did a good job” or “I appreciate your contributions.” ...