Truth 1. You don’t need the carrot or the stick

Take a moment, if you will, to imagine the perfect day at work. By the time you arrive, everyone is already there. In fact, you’re the last one to show up, and you’re a half hour early! Other than the sound of fresh coffee brewing in the break room, the only other noise coming from that area is the sound of laughing as two coworkers share the fun of remembering the great day they had yesterday. Another conversation is focused on exploring ways that your team can put more quality, accuracy, functionality, and affordability into your flagship product that has already received every major industry award out there.

You sit down at your desk and log on. After a quick glance at the day’s spreadsheet to confirm that all projects are ahead of schedule and on budget, you check your email. You’re thrilled to see your email Inbox is crammed with messages from exuberant customers (many of the names you recognize from months and years of doing repeat business with them) thanking your department for yet another fantastic job. There are also at least 50 resumes there, all sent from your employees’ friends who want to be considered for the next—rare—opening. And, look at that! An email from the CEO letting you know that you’re in line for this year’s Chairman’s Award for best performance in the company. Again!