Money is Not Always the Best Motivator

Creating monetary incentives for performance, although not uncommon, may be a misguided tactic. Author Dank Pink suggests large monetary incentives can, in fact, hinder performance in tasks that require cognitive skill.

Instead of offering money for better performance, the above video offers three tips how to create an environment that fosters creativity and innovation:

• Autonomy
• Mastery
• Purpose

By this logic, what your employees really want is the freedom to focus on what they want, to get better at what they do, and to work towards a greater goal. It seems too simple to be true, but the science that backs it up is strong.

This video reminded us of a question in the Ask an Industry Leader archives in which Alex McMillan gives some great advice on how to motivate your personal training staff without using monetary incentives. It might help get your PT staff motivated.