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he motivationists would have us believe that people do what they are rewarded for doing. Bonus programs, salesforce commissions and incentives, and promises of raises and promotions are part of the everyday way companies organize themselves in hopes of getting higher performance from their employees. My own experience is different from that (and numerous studies reported in HBR are consistent with my experience). Neither the carrot nor the stick get me to do more work or better work. I do more, give more, and engage more deeply when my interests and ambitions are connected to those of the organization.

Neither the carrot nor the stick get me to do more work or better work.

In the August '05 issue of PMI's PM Network Neil Whitten offers his advice on getting more from our teams. He wants project managers to "Celebrate" the accomplishments of the team. "Leadership," he says, "means acknowledging a job well-done by thanking the project team that did it." Neil urges readers to do this at least once every three months. The Gallup Organization's research supports that as published in First, Break All the Rules, by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. Except, the research showed that people in continuously high performing organizations receive acts of appreciation and acknowledgement at least once every 7 days!

Why is it that we know external motivators don't work and simple expressions of appreciation and acknowledgement do work, yet we don't do anything about either? While I could go on to explain my theory that organizations, systems, and people are in stasis, that still doesn't get us much closer to action. What has been missing is ambitions and intentions that are big enough to inspire each of us to take different actions while putting at risk what we are accomplishing today.

How about you try something with me. Do it only for yourself. For the next week take the time to acknowledge or appreciate someone on your project, in your organization, or your circle of family and friends. Take care to be sincere. Appreciate them for who they are not what they did for you or someone else. Rather than say, "Thank you for taking such good meeting notes," say, "I appreciate the care you give to capturing the conversation we had today." Do this AT LEAST ONCE every morning and every afternoon. Make a short note to yourself each time you express your appreciation to track that you are doing the exercise. At the end of the week review your notes. Now repeat the process for another week but double your effort. Go for at least two acts of appreciation and acknowledgement each morning and afternoon.

I'd love to hear from each of you who takes me up on this exercise. I'll do a follow-up posting in two week to share my experience.