Work not done, needs no reward.

Reading the Norse Sagas and Edda's around the fire in my long hall whilst sipping mead from a horn-cup always brings me value and relevant meaning; I thought to share some.

_{I don't actually have a Viking long hall, but I have a fire and mead so it works. Either way, the reading is valuable. Also I'm putting together a fleet to go raiding in Britain so need warriors and shield maidens; if you're interested apply below in the comments. I'm serious, it's happening. I've got a reliable man on the inside laying the foundations for conquest so success is assured. No health benefits included but if you die, a highly probable outcome, we'll burn you on a pyre, so all good. original im src}

This week's Viking quote

Work not done, needs no reward - Grettir Saga

If I asked a hundred people if they'd be content getting something for nothing I think I'd receive many different responses from yes to no and everything in between. There's no right or wrong answer just the answer that's relevant to the individual and whatever circumstance that person chose as perspective for their answer.

I'm a man who prefers a reward for effort ethos which I've found brings me greater satisfaction. It doesn't mean I don't like rewards that come easily; I do. It's just that applying myself to a task, situation or circumstance, moving it forward to completion or resolution through my own, or collaborative, effort brings more satisfaction than a result of happenstance; it brings contentment, fulfillment, pride and other valuable feelings that can help one push forward with greater confidence, build momentum and, consequently, greater results in the future. It's a cycle.

Commensurate to that reward for effort ethos has come the inability to reward those for the sake of it.

I'm able to encourage a person, a team-member at work for instance, but only if some effort is being applied. A lack of effort, in my opinion, doesn't deserve reward; there's other ways to deal with it. Evaluation, reflection, training, new strategies and plans, goal setting; basically, providing support without removing the responsibility of the individual. But reward? No. Can being supported in the ways I mention above be rewarding? Yes of course, be that reward is only found through action subsequently taken and applying effort as that individual redeploys with new attitudes and goals in mind.

I've worked in places where management has implemented periodic awards for various things: Employee of the month, most popular person in the office and others such things.

I don't see them as bad things to do - If done correctly. Unfortunately it's often used as a motivator for an unmotivated person, a reward as such, with the intention of improving their attitude, effort, work-rate and so on. So, a reward for not doing the right thing, being unproductive, lazy, showing a poor attitude, lack of ownership, responsibility, discipline and generally being a waste of space. Yeah, that ain't my thing and I disagree with it.

I feel this way of doing things can have the reverse-effect of the desired outcome. Is it conceivable that the person receiving the award actually thinks they deserved it? Maybe, but it's probable that the person knows they're actually not up to scratch and received an accolade they didn't deserve as a "motivator". A pity reward. Not something I'd want to receive I can assure you. Nope, I'm happy to work for what I want, results.

I also feel that rewarding people for no, or low, effort can disenfranchise others in the team leading to a decline in performance, attitude and mindset - Not something a company can afford in this economic environment and something I worked hard to address within my own teams over the years.

I've been a leader for many years and have always rewarded those responsible to me for their efforts and work done well, efficiently, effectively and in a results-focused manner. Also, I've never taken, nor accepted, accolades due to them, the team or operators who have done the work. It's they who deserve it and stealing it would demotivate and begin a rot within the team.

I've also applied the support without removing responsibility tactic as a method of bringing people to productivity, back to it, as required. It's amazing how a little empowerment can affect a person's mindset. Naturally I've reprimanded as required, attitude-adjusted and re-educated, but it's not (generally) been a beating; it's that support without removing responsibility thing.

What I haven't done is reward people for no effort and I'm content with that strategy; I'm not about to change now.

This is how I've chosen to think about this quote today however I'm sure there's other ways to see it and if you would like to give me your opinion below in the comments I'll be really pleased. Agree with me or not, it doesn't matter, just get involved.

Skol.