SCRIPTURE: “For He repays man according to his work, and makes man to find a reward.” (Job 34:11 NIV).
QUOTE: “The best feeling in the world is seeing the benefits and rewards of hard work. –Kevin Hart.
NOTE:
I completely agree with Michael Lebouf that whatever gets rewarded gets done. Reward is both recognition and appreciation for hard work. And as you know, appreciation is an application for more. Even when people volunteer, they have expected rewards within themselves. These rewards are though intrinsic; nonetheless, they are still rewards – a sense of value, personal accomplishment, pleasure etc. Reward answers the question of what-is-in-it-for-me (WIIIFM) without which there is no motivation and neither is productivity guaranteed. Extrinsic rewards are external to the individual and they are usually offered by a supervisor or manager who is charged with administering extrinsic rewards – a pay raise, bonus for meeting targets, paid time off etc. It could as well be an open word of commendation, a certificate of appreciation, best staff award and the likes.
An effective reward system covers four strategic areas: compensation, benefits, recognition and appreciation. Often times however, many organizations do not give premium attention to the last two components namely recognition and appreciation. And that explains why such reward systems do not deliver premium results. It is also important to reward not only productivity (outcomes/results), it is equally important to reward desirable behaviors like loyalty, team work, commitment etc. When team members know certainly that reward is merit driven, peak productivity becomes natural fallouts.
ILLUSTRATION:
David in the Bible was not just a young man; he was also of a small stature when he confronted the terrific giant called Goliath. In addition to his obvious trust and reliance on God, he was evidently motivated by the reward package – marriage to the king’s daughter, tax freedom for his family among others. He double-checked and confirmed the reward all over before stepping out by faith to deliver an unusual feat.
REFLECTION:
- Does reward motivate your team’s productivity? How?
- Can you articulate how you reward exceptional performances within your team?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Kings 23:36-25:30, Psalm 32