Skip to main content
Chief Medical Editor Message

A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way

October 2010

While most people would agree that money can be a strong motivator, sometimes a simple “thank you” can be even more effective. Whether you’re helping out a friend or going above and beyond at work, having someone tell you he or she appreciates your efforts can go a long way in making you feel like the effort was worth it, and even to motivate you in the future. And as the authors of “Leadership in Dermatology,” point out, employee motivation and satisfaction are key ingredients to any successful dermatologic practice. This article highlights seven important rules for creating effective employee incentives and rewards, many of which involve showing employees that their work is valued and appreciated. When the office is busy or things are stressful, it’s easy to rush through the day and forget to stop and recognize what your staff is doing for you or your patients. But with the rules described in this article, which begins on page 34, it’s easy to put together a plan to make your practice even more successful.

The Rules

Some highlights of this article include: • Figure out what doesn’t work, first — when everyone is rewarded no matter the effort, some people may feel slighted. • Money is not the only reward. Its use occasionally as an incentive works, but money should not consistently be used as the main incentive. Say “thank you” when someone does a good job and praise employees in front of their peers. Share exactly why you are thanking them so the link is clearly made. • Positive reinforcement should be used to build employees’ self-esteem. • Connect with your employees. Learn what motivates them by observing and listening to learn what makes employees happy at work or in their personal lives. • Money can lead a person to accept a job, but feeling good about his or her work is intrinsically rewarding, which is a strong motivator. • Celebrate when a major accomplishment is achieved. Use the celebration as an opportunity to share what an employee or group did to meet or exceed goals. • Be sure to recognize employees who make a difference behind the scenes, where their efforts may not be as apparent. Let us know some of your tips for motivating your staff. Sincerely,

Stefanie Tuleya

Executive Editor

stuleya@hmpcommunications.com

While most people would agree that money can be a strong motivator, sometimes a simple “thank you” can be even more effective. Whether you’re helping out a friend or going above and beyond at work, having someone tell you he or she appreciates your efforts can go a long way in making you feel like the effort was worth it, and even to motivate you in the future. And as the authors of “Leadership in Dermatology,” point out, employee motivation and satisfaction are key ingredients to any successful dermatologic practice. This article highlights seven important rules for creating effective employee incentives and rewards, many of which involve showing employees that their work is valued and appreciated. When the office is busy or things are stressful, it’s easy to rush through the day and forget to stop and recognize what your staff is doing for you or your patients. But with the rules described in this article, which begins on page 34, it’s easy to put together a plan to make your practice even more successful.

The Rules

Some highlights of this article include: • Figure out what doesn’t work, first — when everyone is rewarded no matter the effort, some people may feel slighted. • Money is not the only reward. Its use occasionally as an incentive works, but money should not consistently be used as the main incentive. Say “thank you” when someone does a good job and praise employees in front of their peers. Share exactly why you are thanking them so the link is clearly made. • Positive reinforcement should be used to build employees’ self-esteem. • Connect with your employees. Learn what motivates them by observing and listening to learn what makes employees happy at work or in their personal lives. • Money can lead a person to accept a job, but feeling good about his or her work is intrinsically rewarding, which is a strong motivator. • Celebrate when a major accomplishment is achieved. Use the celebration as an opportunity to share what an employee or group did to meet or exceed goals. • Be sure to recognize employees who make a difference behind the scenes, where their efforts may not be as apparent. Let us know some of your tips for motivating your staff. Sincerely,

Stefanie Tuleya

Executive Editor

stuleya@hmpcommunications.com

While most people would agree that money can be a strong motivator, sometimes a simple “thank you” can be even more effective. Whether you’re helping out a friend or going above and beyond at work, having someone tell you he or she appreciates your efforts can go a long way in making you feel like the effort was worth it, and even to motivate you in the future. And as the authors of “Leadership in Dermatology,” point out, employee motivation and satisfaction are key ingredients to any successful dermatologic practice. This article highlights seven important rules for creating effective employee incentives and rewards, many of which involve showing employees that their work is valued and appreciated. When the office is busy or things are stressful, it’s easy to rush through the day and forget to stop and recognize what your staff is doing for you or your patients. But with the rules described in this article, which begins on page 34, it’s easy to put together a plan to make your practice even more successful.

The Rules

Some highlights of this article include: • Figure out what doesn’t work, first — when everyone is rewarded no matter the effort, some people may feel slighted. • Money is not the only reward. Its use occasionally as an incentive works, but money should not consistently be used as the main incentive. Say “thank you” when someone does a good job and praise employees in front of their peers. Share exactly why you are thanking them so the link is clearly made. • Positive reinforcement should be used to build employees’ self-esteem. • Connect with your employees. Learn what motivates them by observing and listening to learn what makes employees happy at work or in their personal lives. • Money can lead a person to accept a job, but feeling good about his or her work is intrinsically rewarding, which is a strong motivator. • Celebrate when a major accomplishment is achieved. Use the celebration as an opportunity to share what an employee or group did to meet or exceed goals. • Be sure to recognize employees who make a difference behind the scenes, where their efforts may not be as apparent. Let us know some of your tips for motivating your staff. Sincerely,

Stefanie Tuleya

Executive Editor

stuleya@hmpcommunications.com