Page 163 - Perfect Phrases for Motivating and Rewarding

■ “When you draft the information for the press release about
our company’s participation in the charity event, remember to
include your role. It was critical.”
■ “So many of you have contributed creative ideas to the
strategic planning process that our department has been
acknowledged in the company newsletter. Thank you all!”
■ “So many customers comment regularly about how gracious
and helpful you are that I’ve submitted your name and
accomplishments for Employee of the Month. Good luck!”

Bonuses, Incentives, and
Tuition Reimbursement

The Motivational Mindset

■ When people go above and beyond the call, or their work on a
particular job brings in a substantial amount of money for the
company, share the wealth with a bonus.
■ Bonuses show appreciation, create a sense of buy-in to the
company’s success, and inspire higher levels of work and
dedication in the future.
■ In a good economy, people expect holiday bonuses and
employers who say, “Bah, humbug,” are known as Scrooges.
Whatever your faith, whatever you feel personally about
holidays, commercialization, or religion, you live and work in a
culture where this has always been a time for giving.
■ In a tight, uncertain, economy, when companies have no
choice but to eliminate or severely reduce bonuses, see
what you can offer that is within reason. A small gift may be
appreciated as long as it is thoughtful and accompanied by a
sincere note of thanks. If you can afford nothing but the note
of thanks, that note will mean more alone than it will with
a thoughtless token. (Remember that thoughtfulness and

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