Game of Work, The

1. Apply the motivation of recreation to work for increased productivity

People will pay for the privilege of working harder than they will work when they are paid.

Recreational motivation principles: The motivation found in recreational activities can be applied to the workplace to increase productivity and engagement. These principles include:

• Clearly defined goals
• Better scorekeeping and scorecards
• More frequent feedback
• A higher degree of personal choice of methods
• Consistent coaching

By implementing these principles, businesses can create an environment where employees are as enthusiastic about their work as they are about their hobbies and sports. This approach taps into the intrinsic motivation that drives people to excel in their personal pursuits and harnesses it for professional success.

2. Set clear, specific, and measurable goals to drive performance

Goals that are not written are merely wishes.

Effective goal-setting criteria:

• Must be written
• Must be your own
• Must be positive
• Must be measurable and specific
• Must be stated in inflation-proof terms
• Must be stated in the most visible terms available
• Must contain a deadline
• Must allow for personality changes
• Must contain an interrelated statement of benefits
• Must be realistic and obtainable

Written goals provide clarity, commitment, and a tangible target to work towards. They should be specific, measurable, and time-bound to ensure progress can be tracked effectively. Goals should also be aligned with personal aspirations and company objectives to maximize motivation and engagement.

3. Implement effective scorekeeping systems to track progress

If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.

Key aspects of effective scorekeeping:

• Simplicity and objectivity
• Self-administration
• Comparison between current personal performance, past personal performance, and an accepted standard
• Dynamic nature, allowing players to review their performance during the game

Implementing a clear and objective scorekeeping system enables employees to track their progress and understand their performance in real-time. This transparency fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, driving continuous improvement. Self-administered scorekeeping empowers employees to take charge of their performance and provides immediate feedback on their efforts.

4. Provide frequent and meaningful feedback to accelerate improvement

When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported back, the rate of improvement accelerates.

Benefits of frequent feedback:

• Improves quality and quantity of performance
• Allows for timely course corrections
• Enhances motivation and engagement
• Facilitates continuous learning and improvement

Increasing the frequency of feedback improves the quality and quantity of performance. When feedback is illustrated on charts and graphs, its impact is even greater. Regular feedback sessions provide opportunities to celebrate successes, address challenges, and align efforts with goals. This constant communication loop creates a culture of continuous improvement and helps employees stay focused on their objectives.

5. Offer choices to employees to increase engagement and ownership

Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.

Importance of choice in the workplace:

• Increases motivation and engagement
• Fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility
• Encourages creativity and innovation
• Aligns personal goals with organizational objectives

Offering employees choices in how they approach their work can significantly increase their engagement and sense of ownership. This autonomy allows them to play to their strengths and find innovative solutions to challenges. By giving workers more freedom within the bounds of the business, managers can tap into their intrinsic motivation and achieve better results.

6. Establish a well-defined field of play for clarity and consistency

Great managers constantly seek to minimize uncertainty.

Elements of a well-defined field of play:

• Clear boundaries and rules
• Consistent application of policies
• Transparent expectations
• Defined areas of responsibility and authority

A clearly defined field of play provides employees with the certainty and consistency they need to perform at their best. It sets clear expectations, defines boundaries, and establishes the rules of the game. This clarity minimizes confusion and allows employees to focus on their performance within the established framework, much like athletes operating within the rules of their sport.

7. Cultivate a winning attitude and mindset among team members

Everybody is born with an equal chance to become just as unequal as he or she possibly can.

Characteristics of winners:

• Are prepared
• Expect to win
• Are specific and positive
• Accept personal responsibility for their actions
• Don't seek to change the rules
• Pay the price willingly
• Set goals

Fostering a winning attitude among team members involves cultivating these characteristics. Encourage preparation, positive expectations, personal responsibility, and goal-setting. Create an environment where team members are willing to put in the effort required for success and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

8. Utilize the Results-to-Resources Ratio for efficient management

If winning isn't important, why do we spend all that money on scoreboards?

Implementing Results-to-Resources Ratio (RRR):

1. Identify key resources (e.g., time, labor, equipment)
2. Define measurable results (e.g., sales, production output)
3. Create a ratio that relates results to resources
4. Track and analyze this ratio over time
5. Use insights to optimize resource allocation and improve efficiency

The Results-to-Resources Ratio provides a clear measure of efficiency and effectiveness. By tracking this ratio, managers can identify areas for improvement, optimize resource allocation, and drive better overall performance. This approach helps focus efforts on activities that yield the highest return on investment.

9. Select winners based on performance and potential

Freedom is greatest when the boundaries are clearly defined.

Criteria for selecting winners:

• Past performance and track record
• Willingness to be accountable and keep score
• Belief in themselves and ability to relate past success to future assignments
• Commitment to team direction
• Coachability and openness to leadership

When hiring or promoting, look for individuals who have demonstrated success in similar roles and show potential for growth. Seek candidates who are willing to be held accountable, can see the connection between their past achievements and future responsibilities, and are open to coaching and continuous improvement.

10. Coach effectively to bring out the best in your team

All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself.

Effective coaching strategies:

• Understand individual motivations (WIIFM - What's In It For Me?)
• Explain the reasons behind tasks (WSI - Why Should I?)
• Make team members feel important (MMFI - Make Me Feel Important)
• Tailor your approach to different personalities
• Provide clear expectations and feedback
• Foster a supportive and challenging environment

Effective coaching involves understanding individual motivations, explaining the purpose behind tasks, and making team members feel valued. Tailor your coaching approach to each individual's personality and needs. Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and create an environment that both supports and challenges team members to reach their full potential.

</instructions>

Last updated: September 27, 2024