Reward and recognition initiatives that motivate participants to think, act and perform to a higher level, deliver results in large part because the prestigious “prize” must be earned through measurable performance.  The message is:  “if you want it, you’ve got to perform.”

The “must-be-earned” philosophy insures program integrity.  Allowing non-qualifiers to purchase the value of their shortfall, in effect allows them to “crash the party” of achievers.  It demeans the efforts of those who earned the right to be there and changes group composition from a “meritocracy” (earn your membership) to a “social club” (buy your membership). This “it must be earned” philosophy is at the heart of every performance-based culture.

The powerful motivational impact of a meritocracy is further enhanced by the prestigious nature of what achievers are working for – significant cash bonuses, travel to high-status locations, luxury merchandise and symbolic awards.

All of these award options work well and make good sense to include in your reward and recognition program.  Everyone wants more money, likes to travel to nice places and enjoys the current “hot” product – however, these items can be acquired through means other than your reward and recognition program.  Granted, it may not be easy to earn more cash, pay for a trip or purchase a luxury item, but they are not exclusive to your program.

The one award that can be made exclusive to your reward and recognition program – that can only be earned by a specific performance in your organization – is the symbolic award.  Athletic championships, for example, are always linked to “the ring” – players talk about it, ask to be traded to a contender or extend their careers because they know it cannot be purchased – it must be earned only in that field of endeavor. 

The symbolic award serves another significant purpose – it’s a powerful advertisement for the organization.  By wearing or displaying the award, achievers are inevitably asked, “What is that for?”  When they tell their story – of what they did to earn it and what a great organization they are part of – everybody wins. 

 

Putting the Ideas into Action

  1. Create qualifications for your reward & recognition that “must be earned”
  2. Give the achievement level a prestigious name – “President’ Inner Circle”, “MVP Club”
  3. Design a symbolic award that’s specific to your organization, achievement and people
  4. Include other award options – cash, travel or merchandise – to elevate the prestige
  5. Present the symbolic award publicly – it immediately increases its perceived value