Archive for JulieWinkleGiulioni SmartBlogs
For decades, management science has concerned itself with researching and developing sophisticated systems for understanding and unleashing employee motivation. In organizations, we’ve experimented with countless combinations of possible solutions to arrive at that magical motivational mix. We’ve tried:
- Compensation, bonuses, and different takes on doling out the almighty dollar to inspire employees
- Recognition in a variety of flavors, including verbal reinforcement, physical tokens and reminders, and exotic trips
- Team structures that support relationships and greater autonomy
- Enticing work spaces (because what says ‘motivation’ more than a pool table and hanging out with Fido from 9 to 5?)
- Flexible schedules and remote working opportunities
Is it possible that we’ve over-engineered a complex solution to a simple problem?[…] Continue Reading »
I’ve opened a few recent workshops using electronic polling applications. (If you’re not familiar with the technology, it might be worth a look.) I asked a few questions to establish a base of understanding and interest, and using their cell phones, participants texted their answers.
The responses were aggregated and displayed in real time; I then used the data to drive the rest of the session.[…] Continue Reading »
Be honest. If you had a gas or water leak, you’d fix it. If an investment was draining your portfolio, you’d sell. So, why are so many smart leaders willing to accept “discretionary effort” as an inevitable feature of — and drain on — business today? Why do we allow employee energy — a precious natural resource — to routinely be wasted?[…] Continue Reading »
Leaders are enamored with employee engagement. They repeatedly conduct surveys to assess it and hold meetings to address it. Yet, despite the millions of dollars that are invested annually, engagement continues to be among employees’ biggest disappointments and management’s top challenges.
Maybe it’s time to rethink our expectations, to reframe the issue, to take the next logical step.[…] Continue Reading »
Have you ever noticed that the first four letters of the phrase “career development” spell “care”? Coincidence? I think not. Because, more than words on a page, care is at the very core of authentic and effective development.
Unfortunately, care seems to be a casualty of today’s systematized, organized, schedule-driven world. When it comes to career development, managers follow the instructions that are handed down.[…] Continue Reading »
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