Accountability with Shared Rewards is a Powerful Motivator

What is the most effective way to manage people? This deceptively simple question has baffled, intrigued and inspired business executives since the concept of employment originated. Dusty bookshelves are lined with endless copies of the latest management theories, some serious attempts at finding the answer; others little more than repackaged old ideas with salable new marketing spins. Claiming to possess the definitive answer would be more than presumptuous; however, there is a straightforward, common sense approach that I have found to be effective. Start with clear expectations, make people accountable for their performance and when excellence is achieved, share the rewards. If this sounds simple, don’t be deceived. Implementation has it complexities, from setting performance standards and developing meaningful metrics to crafting appropriate reward formulas and avoiding the complacency of expected outcomes. But when all the pieces are in place, they create an environment of common purpose and focused efforts. People do well when they clearly understand they must achieve to succeed. They excel when they have the opportunity to grow, advance and prosper.