Smiles on many faces during my children birthday anniversary this week

This week we had series of birthday anniversaries at our home; my elder daugther's birthday on 23rd May,  my son's on 24th May and my wife's on 26th May.

My children celebrated their brithday anniversaries little differently,  thanks to their mother for the idea and the efforts.

On my daughter's birthday;  she went and distrubuted food, water and sweets to needy / beggars in the area we live in; we drove around the localilty and distributed fresh home cooked food for about 15 people.

On my son's birthday;  he went around the area and distributed new clothes  to about 10 needy and beggars.   I think those people would have got an opportunity to wear new clothes may be first time in their life.

Both my son and daugther have felt really satisfied they way they celebrated their birthday anniversaries.

In normal course it would have been some cake, gifts and party; and smiles only on the children;  this celeberation has created smiles on others.

 

Results by motivation – “I am an Energy Star”

Results by motivation –

“I am an Energy Star”

Show me Results!  --  this is something we want anywhere;  at home, work, utility services; government, students, schools, movies, sports…

How do get the desired results – carrot or stick? Both? Neither?  Luck?

Let me narrate one motivation strategy I used at my home.

We have three children at home; one of the constant dialogue I hear at home is “hey, whoever has switched on the light/fan;  switch it off”   -- the response from children is generally; “it’s not me” .     I have heard these noises many many times.  I was telling my children and wife;  “who” is not very important;  anyone can put off lights / fans / TV when not in use;  these lectures did not work.

I have put a simple motivation strategy;  devised a scoring card called “I am an Energy Star”.  This is pasted in the living room, side of the refrigerator;  the rule is anyone who switches off any energy device which is ON unnecessarily; will get one star.   More the stars, more the points and children would get a gift.  Believe me, it clicked instantly, and there is a competition to switch  OFF devices to gain stars  -- sometimes it works too much; even the necessary lights are put OFF.   

Let us switch to organization scenario,  as Leaders how are we working with our team to achieve results – by motivation techniques?  Or stick (if you don’t do this, then… ) approach.  Recollect few instances of the approaches you have practice recently with your colleagues and analyze which has given sustained results. It will be great if you can share your views and some examples of this.

Btw, I was sharing this “I am an Energy Star” example with two of my colleagues recently;  they implemented at home and it worked for them!