If you've caught any of the coverage from the London Olympics so
far, you've likely noticed a common trend among sports with
multiple athletes competing from the same country. Whether it's
Ryan Lochte vs. Michael Phelps or Aly Raisman vs. Gabby Douglas,
the debate among reporters and viewers alike comes down to one
question: How big is the rivalry?
A little healthy competition among the athletes makes performing
that much more exciting. There's an added incentive that comes with
a win among friendly rivals - and, at the same time, a built-in
support system from knowing someone else is going through the same
thing. Regardless of how much they want to win as individuals,
friendly rivals are pushing and cheering for one another every step
of the way.
As it turns out, the same can be said among employees in your
office. Whether it's a contest among salespeople to secure the
biggest numbers or a race among the communications staff to land
the best coverage for their new product, reward and incentive
programs can make employees feel as though they are part of a team;
and that motivation can lead to real results.
Like any competition, the important thing to remember is that
it's supposed to be fun. While no goal worth reaching has ever been
easy, the most challenging moments should never be so frustrating
that they begin breeding negativity. In order to ensure that your
company's reward program increases employee morale rather than
quashes it, you should follow these rules:
- Make it about the employees. Though the
contest will ultimately benefit the company, steps should be taken
to ensure that each employee who participates receives some
personal benefit, as well. Perhaps it's a corporate wellness
challenge that inspires employees to lose weight or get fit.
Ultimately, both the company and your team will reap the benefits
of healthier, happier employees.
- Ensure the rules are clear. The last thing you
want to have happen is for someone to lose on a technicality. When
drafting the rules, make sure to run them by the employees far
enough in advance so that you'll be able to answer questions or
clear up any miscommunication before the contest begins.
- Keep the finish line within reach. The goals
for your contest should be challenging, but never so difficult that
they feel impossible. Every employee who participates should feel
as though they have an equal chance to win.
- Maintain the momentum. It's easy for the
office to feel motivated at the beginning of a contest, when
everything is new and time has been set aside to focus on it. But
it's also just as easy for that motivation to fall by the wayside
once the contest has been set in motion. Keep the momentum going
with frequent status updates and weekly or bi-weekly check-ins so
that people can stay on track. You also want to ensure that the
contest does not run for too long - otherwise, people may lose
interest well before the end.
- Showcase employee success. Winners should be
recognized for their outstanding contributions, but at the end of
the contest, a collective effort should also be made to recognize
the value every employee added to the competition. Whether they win
or lose, all participants will have a lesson learned that is worth
sharing with the whole team.
While the gold, silver and bronze medals may be in use elsewhere
this year, hosting an Olympic-worthy competition in your office is
a great opportunity to make every employee feel as though they are
standing on that podium. Playing the national anthem is optional,
but encouraged.