Motivating people

Using the results of a survey of 380 companies in 34 industries, this author examines three basic types of compensation plans: salary, commission, and combination (salary plus commission). Most companies in the study favored a combination plan, but such plans have some disadvantages to offset their obvious attractiveness. The author sets out the possible reasons […]

Do you and your team feel chronically overwhelmed and reactive?

Most leaders focus on how employees think and behave—but feelings matter just as much.

Start by talking about impact, not financial performance.

The Chobani CEO and founder talks about the biggest challenges along the way. "I never thought about quitting," he says.

They’re a reminder that mastery, membership, and meaning are the best motivators.

Jim Whitehurst, CEO of Red Hat, explains how to inspire, motivate, and empower people at all levels to act with accountability.

People respond to stories that convey vulnerability, humor, and humility.

Don't let yourself become a prisoner.

A consensus is emerging that there has been a shift in the attitudes and values of the U.S. work force and that this shift has been accompanied by increased dissatisfaction with many aspects of work. The evidence for this shift and disaffection has emerged from two camps: systematically recorded observations from case studies and surveys […]

Talking about whistling while you work. Lindon Beckford, who works in the patient transport department at a Boston hospital, takes that adage to a new level. Not satisfied with schlepping gurneys from room to room, this native Jamaican has turned the hospital into his own personal concert hall: he strolls from ward to ward singing–from […]

They voice hard truths without making you lose hope.

Companies need to develop strong guiding principles that go beyond generic mission statements and values, the authors argue. Well-articulated principles...

What do Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, have in common? Not only are both shrewd businessmen who have increased the net worth of their respective organizations substantially, both serve as de facto CSOs, “chief sales officers.” Jones personally makes sales presentations to prospects interested in the luxury […]

Helene listens and asks questions as Ines develops an action plan.

Authenticity can inspire your team.

The world's biggest shopping day pushes the e-commerce giant to innovate, collaborate, and break down silos.

You’re late for work, and it’s pouring rain. In the parking lot, a car speeds around you and takes the last spot near the building entrance. You end up trudging from the back of the lot and get soaked to the skin. You’re mad, and you know your judgment at the moment is probably impaired. […]

It's time to clarify what sponsorship looks like.

Artwork: Antony Gormley, Capacitor, 2001. Mild steel tubes: 12 mm (o/d), 5.5 mm (i/d). Mild steel rod: 5 mm x various lengths. Body form: 190 x 48 x 35 cm. Fully extended work: 271 x 242 x 229 cm. The way most of us work isn’t working. Study after study has shown that companies are […]