The Project Management Tool Kit: 100 Tips and Techniques for Getting the Job Done Right

Intangible Rewards and Recognition

Recognition expressed in ways involving little or no out-of-pocket cost is a powerful way to increase motivation. Intangible rewards should be frequent, and are most effective when they are unexpected, so employ them randomly. Typical examples include:

• Thank people personally for their accomplishments. Do it face-to-face if possible, or by telephone or e-mail for global teams. Keep alert and express appreciation even for small things.

• Use team members’ names in performance reporting, lessons learned, and other project documents when discussing results. Be specific, and include a summary of why the accomplishments matter.

• Formally recognize achievements and results on matrix teams to the team member’s management, ...