Give Worthless Rewards

03/28/2014

You really can change the world if you care enough.
Marion Wright Edelman

In the Fast Company article, "Six Ways to Create a Culture of Innovation", Soren Kaplan observed that to promote a culture of innovation...

Recognizing success is critical, but most companies stop there. An annual innovation award is just not enough to catalyze a culture of innovation. Sure, formal rewards are good for the short term — but they don't keep people truly engaged.

"The most powerful and robust type of recognition — the kind that shapes organizational values — often occurs more informally. Several members of Colgate-Palmolive's Global R&D group initiated a 'recognition economy' by distributing symbolic wooden nickels to colleagues who had made noteworthy contributions to their projects. The fortunate recipients didn't hoard their winnings. They passed them on to others who had chipped in on projects they themselves had led.... It's not uncommon for employees to return from lunch and find a few nickels anonymously placed on their desks. It's a fun and validating idea; such informal acknowledgements encourage a collective spirit and help promote the free flow of ideas."

EZ-CARE Solutions Our software will save you time & money, and make managing your childcare center easier.

Announcing the new Outlast Tables and Seating for the outdoors. Made of acetylated wood and stainless steel hardware, these child-sized tables and benches contain no parts that can rot or rust. Order now.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.