Marketing and Sales
The motivation to succeed in sales or marketing works on the same principle. Begin by creating a bonus plan where the top salesperson gets the best bonus and those that perform somewhat lower also get lower bonuses until a point is reached when no incentive is given. You are guaranteed to see results but the workplace may become extremely cut throat. Bonuses can be awarded for finishing work ahead of time, too. Rewards such as certificates with people's names on them can work too as the incentive need not necessarily be expensive, only desired.
Pay Per Performance Motivation
Pay per performance is a much larger motivational per- formance factor. Above and beyond the annual raise funds provided, a portion of profit is set aside to distribute to employees exactly proportional to their yearly performance. Increasing annual income, adding year-end bonuses, and rewarding employees in this manner is like asking them to "walk on water daily". Those who are capable of performing like this do extremely well.
Gauge Accordingly
There will always be employees who do not possess the ability to perform at elevated levels every day. It is wise to assess the incentive program and how it affects workers. If, for example, you were to offer $100 to anyone with perfect attendence for a month, you will no doubt see a lot more people in the office than you are used to.
Even the little things will surprise you at how effective they can be. Showing some empathy and compassion for people is vital but can also be very motivating. A great deal is said about your ethics and management style by the way you communicate with people.
Some people, such as myself, work best when simply told what needs to be done and then left alone to do it. My employers have always known this but they also knew that if I needed help with something, I would ask.
I have built this type of relationship with all of my employers. They always knew that if I didn't talk to them, then everything was fine and on schedule. They always honored my decisions but when I sent them an e-mail, it was time to give me some help. Then again, I am the type of person that generally goes well above the call of duty.
