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 | | No, that won't do it, Dude. |
It would seem easy to motivate the ever-responsible Gold folks because, well, they are naturally responsible, and they can be the most obedient of all the Colors. As you will see, however, it's just as easy to turn them off and lose them to your competitors.
Here are some questions that Gold people ask themselves in choosing an organization to work with. If most of the answers are "yes", then you can sense they are motivated and inspired to deliver 100%.
1) Is this organization solid for me? Like solid gold - the mineral - is the underpinning of this organization of high quality, respectable, and worthy of my time?
2) Are the goals crystal clear and does the organization stick to a firm path toward accomplishing those goals?
3) Is my role well-defined and carefully linked to a hierarchy designed for an appropriate power structure and avenues of communication?
4) Where exactly do I fit in and what career paths am I being offered?
5) Are the rules and standards here well thought-out, published, explained clearly to all employees, and enforced consistently?
6) Do the people around me all follow through? Are they reliable and consistent? Do they meet timelines?
7) When change is required, does the organization take careful and appropriate steps to deal with it?
8) Do I feel secure? Is this organization committed, loyal, dependable, and thoroughly professional toward its workforce? Are traditions truly respected and not just paid lip-service to?
9) When I complete my work, am I acknowledged for it?
10) Do I feel that I truly belong here?
REWARDS for Golds
As in life, the best things - the best rewards - are free. Here is a partial list of rewards that Golds appreciate.
· Do not take them for granted. Let them know that you count on them and that they you know they come through dependably and consistently.
· Promote employees fairly. When hiring practices look unjust - especially to Gold folk - they expect and deserve a thorough explanation of hiring processes. And of all the Colors, they rate high in dealing with honest and frank assessments, especially when they see that they'll have a better chance next time by making specific and clear personal changes.
· Include Gold people on programs that they care most about - especially platforms that honor and expand upon tradition.
· Give opportunities to Golds to supervise and enforce. They truly enjoy taking charge and keeping things in order.
· Encourage Golds when they want to provide logistical and safety support - give them the tools and support.
· Listen very carefully when they complain, then take action - every single time. The action doesn't need to go in their favor either.
· Recognize, acknowledge, and give rewards and awards. It's often Gold folks who create recognition programs for others and they tend to expect appropriate rewards and awards for themselves. The work that people do has value and deserves to be honored in some way. Rewards need never be extravagant. Simple, quality ceremonies rate high. So do thoughtful plaques, pins, certificates, letters, symbols, small gifts, etc.
· Provide a secure environment. Avoid frequent changes of mind, multi-tasking, "emergencies," radical changes of agenda, interruptions, etc. In other words, respect their time and current commitments.
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