Comments on: Spider Theory http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/ Maximizing Organizational Performance Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:15:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Joe Raasch http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-10802 Joe Raasch Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:58:11 +0000 http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-10802 Hi Roger, Welcome! I agree, if there is no harm, then no foul. This works on some of the people some of the time. And as Greg mentioned and you echoed, without sincerity, all is lost. We all know that $$ is a short-term motivator. It is the intrinsic 'perks', individual to an employee, that keep them in 'the cave'. So is it OK for companies to be a bit transparent in their approach, letting employees know why they get the perks? Hi Roger,

Welcome! I agree, if there is no harm, then no foul. This works on some of the people some of the time. And as Greg mentioned and you echoed, without sincerity, all is lost.

We all know that $$ is a short-term motivator. It is the intrinsic ‘perks’, individual to an employee, that keep them in ‘the cave’.

So is it OK for companies to be a bit transparent in their approach, letting employees know why they get the perks?

]]> By: Roger Anderson http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-9848 Roger Anderson Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:28:41 +0000 http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-9848 Joe, The spiders don't leave because they don't see that they are "trapped" in a zoo. I think the same can apply to company personnel. If they do not feel trapped, and do feel appreciated they are less likely to look for an exit. I think "Perks" done correctly can have a huge impact on morale and performance. Ultimately however, as Greg pointed out, the truth has to be in there or the window dressing will have no value. Joe,
The spiders don’t leave because they don’t see that they are “trapped” in a zoo. I think the same can apply to company personnel. If they do not feel trapped, and do feel appreciated they are less likely to look for an exit.

I think “Perks” done correctly can have a huge impact on morale and performance. Ultimately however, as Greg pointed out, the truth has to be in there or the window dressing will have no value.

]]> By: Joe Raasch http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-9370 Joe Raasch Mon, 30 Jul 2007 23:18:08 +0000 http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-9370 Hi Greg, Thanks for stopping by! I agree, authenticity wins. I am sure you've read Bill George's 'Authentic Leadership' book. The daily interaction between manager and employee is where engagement lives...or dies. Hi Greg,

Thanks for stopping by! I agree, authenticity wins. I am sure you’ve read Bill George’s ‘Authentic Leadership’ book. The daily interaction between manager and employee is where engagement lives…or dies.

]]> By: Greg Krauska http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-9346 Greg Krauska Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:29:11 +0000 http://happyburroblog.com/2007/07/30/spider-theory/#comment-9346 Joe, authenticity wins over meaningless cheerleading and logo coffee mugs. Leaders who know the Gallup survey is coming soon can amp up the complements and the attagirls to spike the test. But over time, people know whether their energy is lifted or drained at work, and whether their strengths are being used or wasted. People prefer candor to sugar coating. At the same time, winning companies are 5:1 positive in their daily interactions. So the key is, you can't be happy-happy all the time. You need to speak the truth where it needs speaking. Joe, authenticity wins over meaningless cheerleading and logo coffee mugs. Leaders who know the Gallup survey is coming soon can amp up the complements and the attagirls to spike the test. But over time, people know whether their energy is lifted or drained at work, and whether their strengths are being used or wasted. People prefer candor to sugar coating. At the same time, winning companies are 5:1 positive in their daily interactions. So the key is, you can’t be happy-happy all the time. You need to speak the truth where it needs speaking.

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