When it comes to encouraging employees to be productive workers, managers seemingly have many tools in their motivational toolbox at their disposal. For example, perhaps they can increase worker motivation by offering to pay more to workers who are especially productive. Or maybe they can try to enhance overall employee morale by including them in a profit-sharing program. Or perhaps they could try to provide recognition to the best workers by offering rewards such as toasters, iPhones, and vacations. Although all of these tactics have the potential to be effective, they can be extremely costly to implement. However, some new research suggests a recipe for success without spending a dime, all in five easy minutes.

What they found was amazing. Employees in the Personal Benefit and Control conditions looked almost exactly the same after the intervention as before it in terms of amount of donation money raised and the number of pledges earned. Yet, those in the Task Significance condition earned more than twice the number of weekly pledges (from an average of 9 to an average of 23) and more than twice the amount of weekly donation money (from an average of $1,288 to an average of $3,130). Additional analyses suggest that the huge increase was driven by previously unmotivated employees increasing the number of calls they made per hour.

Of course, not every manager is lucky enough to be in an organization that really does touch lives in such an obvious way. But there’s significance and meaningfulness inherent to every job in existence—it’s just that employees often lose sight of what that is. The persuasive leader is someone who can help employees regain their sight by reminding them of how meaningful their jobs can be to others and to themselves.

Source:

Grant, A. M. (2008). The significance of task significance: Job performance effects, relational mechanisms, and boundary conditions. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93, 108-124.

Even if you have never been subjected to an investment fraudster’s sales pitch, you probably know someone who has. 

Investment fraud affects thousands of Americans and accounts for billions in lost savings every year.  Research funded by FINRA Investor Education Foundation shattered stereotypes when it revealed that a majority of investment fraud victims are financially knowledgeable, highly education and self-reliant. 

This video sponsored by FINRA and www.SaveAndInvest.org will help you learn:

• Who fits the profile of a potential fraud target
• How to identify the persuasion tactics fraudsters use
• How to reduce risky behaviors by asking questions and checking information
• Simple steps you can take before making and investment decision

For your own DVD and for more information on combating fraud, visit FINRA. 

Watch these experts, including Dr. Cialdini, help protect you and others with important information.

 
Special thanks to Christine Kieffer of FINRA INVESTOR EDUCATION FOUNDATION for spearheading this project.

What is the single best "Weapon of Influence" to use?

Dr. Cialdini provides an in-depth response to this question in a new interview with marketing expert, Bob Serling. You can read this interview by clicking here www.Power8Marketing.com/Cialdini 

AUSTRALIA:
Anthony McLean, the only Australian CMCT, will host and facilitate a POP workshop on March 25 & 26, 2010 in Perth, Australia. For more information on this event in Australia, visit http://www.newintelligence.com.au/site/pop%20registration.php

CANADA:
Heath Slawner, the only Canandian CMCT, will host and facilitate a POP workshop on May 6 & 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada.  For more information about this event in Toronto, visit www.regonline.com/pop