4. Administer rewards intermittently. Positive reinforcement can be adminis-
tered under different types of schedules. The most effective and sensible type is an intermittent schedule in which rewards are administered often,
but not always, when the appropriate behavior occurs. A reward loses its
effect if given every time the employee makes the right response. Thus
intermittent rewards sustain desired behavior for a longer time by help-
ing to prevent the behavior from fading away when it is not rewarded. In
addition to being more effective, intermittent rewards are generally more
practical than continuous rewards. Few managers have enough time to
dispense rewards every time team members attain performance goals.
5. Administer rewards promptly. The proper timing of rewards may be diffi-
cult because the manager is not present at the time of good performance.
In this case, an e-mail message, text message, or phone call of apprecia-
tion within several days of the good performance is appropriate. Some
managers are posting Tweets these days to post public notes of
appreciation.
6. Change rewards periodically. Rewards grow stale quickly; they must be
changed periodically. A repetitive reward can even become an annoy-
ance. How many times can one be motivated by the phrase “nice job”?
Suppose the reward for making a sales quota is an iPad. How many
iPads can one person use (assuming the award is not re-gifted)?
7. Make the rewards visible. When other workers notice the reward, its
impact multiplies because the other people observe what kind of behav-
ior is rewarded. Assume that you were informed about a coworker’s
exciting assignment, given because of high performance. You might
strive to accomplish the same level of performance.
8. Reward groups and teams as well as individuals. To improve organiza-
tional productivity, both groups and individuals should receive rewards
for good performance. A combination of group and individual rewards
encourages teamwork yet does not discourage outstanding individual
performance. As Jack and Suzy Welch recommend, “When an individual
or team does something notable, make a big deal of it. Announce it pub-
licly, talk about it at every opportunity. Hand out awards.”21
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