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Recognition

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It is true that money is a factor that motivates people. Usually, money motivates one to get a job, take on job over another, or switch jobs. However, aren't money and recognition just two sides of the same coin. Money is the motivator to attract the educated, experienced and skilled talent. But, recognition is what motivates the employee's productivity, innovation, contributions and overall satisfaction with their job and work environment. Recognition is what motivates an employee to stay with an organization and be a value added contributor.

Time and again employee surveys show that recognition wins out over money by 55% of respondents when asked what would motivate them or what would make them feel as if the company cared about them. True, money is a close second, but as human beings, we are built to fulfill the desire and feeling of being appreciated and recognized for something we have done. We all work for money, and it is money that pays the bills. But isn't it recognition that fills up our tanks and keeps us motivated when what drains us are the complaints from our customers, the demanding 60 work weeks, or when IT changes our computer system and not one darn thing works like it did last week? Doesn't that heartfelt "thank you" from a bedraggled supervisor make you feel okay with staying a few more minutes to help get this one last load out. Aren't you more willing to step outside your skill set when your supervisor tells you with sincere confidence that they know you are the right person to take on this project?

When an employee gets a raise, it does motivate - but only for a short time. And money as a motivater is limited in form to, well, money. Recognition, however, is only limited by the imagination of the manager. A good leader will use different forms of recognition to make their employees feel important, to build self-esteem or acknowledge expertise. Recognition, as opposed to money can make an employee feel personally appreciated and needed. I personally have received a hand written note from a manager thanking me for working so hard on a specific project and being especially creative in my ideas for it. I still have that note, and often read through it on difficult days. It is wonderful to feel again how it felt that at one point in my life what I did made someone appreciate my work, creativity and achievements. I don't even remember what I bought with last years bonus.

Often, recognition may be the only "reward" a department

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