1)   Strong emphasis on carrot and stick motivators are good for simple tasks, but not good for complex cognitive tasks or tasks that require creativity

2)   More powerful motivators for complex or creative tasks include assuring people feel that they have a sense of purpose, are making a contribution, are seeing progress, and are growing and getting better at something.

3)   De-motivators include doing the same thing over and over without a sense of purpose or progress.

LEADERSHIP CATALYST TIPS

In several turnaround situations, I have found the key to motivating and engaging employees is to:

• Make them feel valued as people and that they belong
• Help them see how what they do makes a difference, and
• Find a way for them to monitor their own contributions on an ongoing basis.

This is especially true now as companies try to re-engage their people after multiple rounds of layoffs, furloughs, and salary cuts.  If they don’t, they risk losing their best people when the economy and job market improve.

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