on 6/19/10 4:58 PM, Keegan Peterzell at keegan.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
<snip>.
There was a great TED speech that I need to look up but don't have the time for at the moment. The premise of the presentation is that studies have shown time and time again that things like games, prizes, awards and other measures of gratitude are only temporary measures to increase motivation. The folks that work for you that are the truly motivated ones and believers in the process do not ask for these rewards. A pat on the back and a "good job, thanks for your work because I value it very much" occasionally is the only true recognition that is needed. The other fluff only inspires distraction from the goal because it's creating other little goals which, in turn, become more important than the end result.
Yes! Prizes denote direct competition as in sports or, more subtly, with the science & arts awards.
Person-to-person affirmation goes a very long way; and is what collaboration & community should be based upon. Give them the climate, and they will give you the culture.
Marc Riddell