Different pieces of compensation serve different purposes and it’s a savvy manager’s (and employee’s) job to figure out how to piece together the puzzle in the best way.

And, if you work hard but you don’t produce, then how is that more valuable than someone who gets the job done in less time?

I’ve been used to a base salary and a bonus/commission structure where the variable portion represents anywhere from 10% to 75% of my overall compensation. I felt more driven when I could independently impact my take home pay to a greater degree, so I do believe it motivates high achievers.

I’ve always admired supervisors which privately criticize and publicly praise individuals for their efforts. I, in turn, thank them for letting me know that my efforts are truly appreciated.

Some manners in which supervisors “reward” you for stellar results is with more responsibility and higher visibility within the upper reaches of the organization. That used to appeal to me more when I was younger and more hungry.

One of the big pluses for me is when a manager trusts you enough to not manage you but support you – I remember one fondly. He said, “You don’t work for me, I work for you. My job is to remove obstacles in your way to success. If you need help, then it is my job to resolve the issues, escalate and be a buffer. If I do that, then I’ve done my job.”

One particular item I don’t like in my current company is that we don’t have written policies regarding vacation days in lieu of overnight travel. Because I travel internationally, I’m away from home many evenings and weekends often for weeks in a row. To me it would only be fair that the company at least establish a baseline of accrued vacation for such situations and let the manager have discretion to increase it at their discretion.

It is these sort of ‘people supportive practices’ that identify the kind of character that permeates throughout the workforce.

In summary, my currency has changed throughout my career from money being the prime motivator to being given additional responsibilities, to increased independence. Now, I’m starting to consider winding down my career – I still do the best job I can but I don’t seek the limelight or recognition any more.

Anyway, my top response was time off because that is my most valued resource. I made it clear that this was the thing I truly cared about most but that I also didn’t mind private recognition or the odd unexpected token bonus like a free meal or fun event with my coworkers. I find that can really boost company morale, but it isn’t essential for me.

However, Hockey tickets to see the Montreal Canadiens would definitely be part of my currency ;-)

Many of you make a good point: “Time off / flexability” should be another category. I often feel torn about this. In my current job in non-profit, the pay is low but the flexability is tremendous and so are the other rewards that increase personal satisfaction. I can’t imagine working in a job I hate just for the money. Money is essential for life yes, but I have to find satisfaction in what I do now. At the same time, I know to make any sort of life for my family AND save for the future, I need to find ways to bring in more money. My goal is to find a position that does both – pays a good wage AND is personally satisfying.

1. Actually mean it
2. Be specific. “Good job” or “Well done” don’t cut it.

For example:

“Hey Pete, just wanted to tell you that I think you’re doing a really good job. Keep up the good work.”

vs

“Hey Pete, just wanted to tell you that I think you’re doing a really good job these last few weeks with the Pullman account. The way you handled the situation with the schedule transfer is what has kept this whole thing afloat. Getting them to partner with Perkins was brilliant. Keep up the good work.”

Receiving feedback like the second one is ten times more effective for me. And I’m pretty sure it has been received much better when I’ve given feedback in that way.

Yup, besides a fat pay cheque, the only other “currency” I would put on my list is ‘paid time-off’. Time is money, after all.

Management praise is worthless to me because I do not value my bosses as people or “management”.

And yes, I would love to change jobs. :)

Seems that most of the people posting work pretty hard and are not being properly compensated.

Time off is very important to me. If given a choice, I’d choose this every time over extra monetary compensation.