Successful Meetings - August 2009 - (Page 17)

PLANNER’S WORKSHOP incentive insights Morale doesn’t have to stink just because the economy does 10 Cheap Ways to Raise Morale By Sam Glenn I t’s a really good time for making excuses. Each week seems to bring new highs, but not the kind that make us happy. Instead, we hear about the high unemployment numbers, the high rate of foreclosures, and the high price of gas. There are plenty of reasons to argue that it’s not time to be ramping up incentive tactics, when we are really just paranoid about survival. But I see it all differently. As someone who lost a successful company overnight in a fire, survived, and eventually thrived, I say that hard times are just the time to worry about motivating your employees. More than ever, you need their morale to keep your company afloat. So here are some incentive tips that won’t cost you much; in some cases, they might even save you a few dollars. 1 it also saves them money on gas. 3 is valued, they are more apt to outperform expectations. 7 Host a monthly potluck for employees to get to know one another and network. Have a theme to each event—such as Retro ’70s—and encourage people to title their dishes to match, like Betty’s Bell-bottom Beans. 4 Be funny, even if you don’t think you have it in you. Humor in the workplace is like spaghetti to a marathon runner. Add your own authentic flair and don’t be afraid to be laughed “at,” rather than just “with.” 8 Provide blank name labels, and allow everyone to make up their new “name of the day.” Call each person by his or her chosen title, for just eight hours. 5 Bring in marshmallows and allow people to roast them over the stove at lunch. 9 Run a weekly contest with a small prize. Find out who has the ugliest baby picture or the most out-of-character hobby. Make it interactive and fun and allow the staff to vote. Keep the prize small, but sweet—a free lunch, a $50 gift certificate, or 30 minutes of free time. 2 Ask each staff member to compliment another staff member of his or her choice, each day, in writing, for a month. No one may compliment the same person twice until having complimented everyone once. This gets everyone thinking positively about those around them. 6 Create a blog for your company and allow each person to provide one (monitored) entry per month (or week or quarter) on any subject. 10 Allow your employees to work at home one or two days per week, if possible. Set up instant messaging so you can keep in touch online. Not only does this allow staff to work in their pajamas, but Be open to input from everyone in the company. Too often, I see situations where an employee who is low on the totem pole has some of the most brilliant ideas, which never get heard. Also, when staff members feel like their input Be available, and show empathy. If one of your staff has lost something due to the economy, listen and accommodate them whenever possible by providing flex time or creative solutions. Show you care, and your employees will too. SM Sam Glenn is a motivational speaker, author, workplace consultant, and the founder of Attitude Digest magazine. For more information, visit www.attitudedigest.com and www.samglenn.com SuccessfulMeetings.com I August 2009 I SM I 17 http://www.attitudedigest.com http://www.samglenn.com http://www.SuccessfulMeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - August 2009

Successful Meetings - August 2009
Contents
Editors Letter
Planning for the World, in 5 Days
Education
Personal Success
Incentive Insights
Food & Beverage
Management Matters
Gurus
Visionaries
The Show Must Go On
What Happens in Vegas...
Rolling on the High Seas
Betting on Meetings
Meetings Hype 2.0
Places and Spaces
Midwest Meetings
Cleveland
Palm Springs Desert Resorts
Cancun
Portland
2009 Pinnacle Awards

Successful Meetings - August 2009