Reward Behavior You Want Repeated

A friend of mine owns a small fire restoration business.  Our elderly neighbor across the street had a kitchen fire.  I called Leo just to let him know in case he wanted to contact her.  A couple weeks later I noticed his trucks were parked in front of her house, so it appeared he had secured the cleanup contract.  A week or so after he had completed the job I received a letter from Leo.  The letter thanked me for the lead and it contained a $50.00 Gift Certificate for a local restaurant.  Guess what I am doing now?  I am looking for fires!!!

The principle is basic.  Reward behavior you want repeated.  It makes common sense, and it makes business sense.  If you are a business owner, I am confident there are some habits you would like to change in some of your employees.  Most owners simply point out the problem and then expect the employee to change.  Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn’t.  A little encouragement and/or recognition can go a long way.  If the employee starts arriving on time, completes their paperwork properly, consistently washers their vehicle or anything else you have encouraged them to do, say something.  “John, I noticed you have been keeping your truck exceptionally clean.  Thanks, it really helps the image of the company.”  “William, you are doing a lot better job completing your paperwork.  That really helps Mary when she enters the information into the computer.

You might even want to make it a habit to literally look for things your employees are doing well.  Maybe it’s a routine duty or maybe it’s something as simple as not complaining when asked to work overtime.  The same principle applies.  Reward behavior you want repeated.

Be creative.  Get to know your employees and find out what they like to do in their spare time.  Do they enjoy sporting events, going to the movies or do they have a favorite restaurant?  When you catch them doing something you really appreciate- reward them for it. 

Below are a few suggestions you may want to consider when it comes to thanking your employees for a job well done.

Everyone appreciates a smile, a positive word or some small jester.  It says, “I noticed what you have been doing and I appreciate it.”  It doesn’t have to be expensive; it just needs to be thoughtful.  What would you like to hear if you were in their position?  If you would appreciate it likely they would as well.

Remember, you are not just providing a living for your employees.  For many of them you are their family, treat them that way!