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Back Scratching
Another major motivator is deceptively simple -- and free: recognition. If all the other motivational elements are in place -- challenging work, decent pay and a flexible work environment -- a simple thank you can do a lot to boost morale. "So many managers and supervisors don't know how to treat people. They don't show respect. They don't use the words 'thank you' often enough. Those words are free," says Hacker.
When Stack meets with his direct reports, they spend the first 10 minutes discussing which worker did something special the previous week. Stack then sends out an all-hands email, on behalf of the entire IT management team, publicly thanking that person.
"We don't all have a million in our pocket to pay everyone more," Stack says. So when it comes to motivation, "you've got to deal with the human side."
Joan Indiana Rigdon was a contributing writer for CIO Decisions. To comment on this story, email editor@ciodecisions.com.
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