That is exactly what makes this such an interesting and important subject.
The fundamentals are pretty obvious. Maslow theory sets out a hierarchy of needs:
- Basic physiological needs - air, water, food, shelter.
- Safety needs - security in issues such as physical safety, health, income.
- Love needs - People have a constant desire to feel needed, friendship, love, family, social circle.
- Status - recognition by others and self-esteem.
- Actualisation - this is where things start to get hairy with Maslow and co.
In far simpler terms, once we get past survival of the individual/species issues, drivers can be broken down into two broad categories:
- The stick - the avoidance of pain
- The carrot - the pursuit of pleasure
How difficult is that? Rule by fear or reward and mission accomplished???
OK. How about you set up a total reward system. People get recognised and rewarded for everything they do. How long before staff take this for granted? And fail to respond anymore because they are just sooo comfortable? And get offended because they weren't singled out for special recognition for something that is basically a fundamental part of their duties.
Or the total pain system. People get punished for every transgression. The only way to avoid pain is to do exactly as expected. How long before people get tired, get numb to the pain and perform below par anyway?
I've had staff come from a "bad" workplace environment and really respond to the fact that they aren't whipped on a regular basis. And yet others come and reckon this is a ticket to slide.
So the answer seems to be a balancing act.
Here are the challenges:
Using the stick is easy and produces fairly consistent, predictable, but average results.
The carrot is more challenging to wield, can produce exceptional results - or can fail totally.
No matter how experienced we are, we need to conciously think about this stuff from time to time - it's too easy to slip into a reactive mode.
Note: I wrote this yesterday morning, but resolved to give everyone a chance to have their say first. I just knew I wasn't the only one with something to say. I think you'll agree the diversity has added depth to our combined understanding that a single answer would not have achieved.
Thank you everyone who posted. A big
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