Incentive - November 2008 - (Page 15)

Ripple Effect ust as a pebble dropped into a pool makes ripples that radiate outward, doing an award presentation well touches not just the recipient but everyone present, and doing an award presentation exceptionally well touches people who weren’t even there, but who hear about it later. Emad Tadros, sales manager for Pepsi Bottling Group’s operations in Cambridge, Ontario, arranged a surprise dinner event last January as a 40-years-of-service milestone celebration for Francis Ernewein, a member of his sales staff. From PBG’s service awards program catalog, Ernewein was able to choose his own award, and selected a $1,500 TV set. However, “I wanted to come up with something creative for him,” says Tadros, “a real appreciation for his many years.” Tadros didn’t have any similar events to model it on—how many people reach 40 years, after all?—but he consulted with HR and invited a number of senior executives from the Canadian office of PBG, as well as the entire sales staff and Ernewein’s wife, Marilyn, to the special dinner. And Tadros brainstormed a way to thank both Erneweins with a weekend package at the Blue Mountain Resort, a spectacular getaway on Ontario’s Georgian Bay. The couple also received a flower arrangement “that left them speechless.” Speeches were made by others, however, including Tadros, who highlighted Ernewein’s solid performance and consistency over the years and his dedication to customers and colleagues. He also made a point of thanking Marilyn for her strong support of Francis’ career. The affair was written up in the local newspaper. PBG identifies and shares with its managers examples of Best Practice Presentations as a way of inspiring them to excel at presenting awards. A couple of months after the event, Tadros was surprised to learn that his celebration had earned him a “Pour It On” award. He proudly displays his award certificate in his office. J Safety Roadeo not only reinforces the need for drivers to have a clean safety record all year, it gives PepsiAmericas a chance to celebrate the professionalism of one of its most important job functions. Here West Division VP of Sales John Barnes honors safe drivers passion. “Divisional winners come up to Chicago on an all-expense-paid trip and participate in the National Roadeo where the best of the best compete,” says Jason Clayton, compensation manager, PepsiAmericas. “They get to bring one person with them on the trip. Winners of that are celebrated in a big way.” Go in With a Strategy Make sure your program has what it takes to drive business results. Both of these companies had programs in place and good intentions, but they sometimes created frustration among the very people they were trying to boost. They lacked a comprehensive strategy that makes recognition part of the fabric of the culture and that consistently trains managers on how, when and why to deliver praise. An overarching theme helps communicate and make the programs memorable (at PBG the recognition theme is “Pour It On”; at PepsiAmericas, it’s “Thirst for More”). In the course of setting strategy at PepsiAmericas, moreover, the company tackled turnover. At 90 days new hires get a charm that goes with the keychain they received on their very first day in a little presentation box. A card in the box gives an access code for them to go online and select another gift. There are also awards at one, two and three years. “That was very strategic,” says Michelle Smith, vice president of business development, O.C. Tanner, “because a lot of people were leaving before three years. We suggested a more “We want a culture that people view themselves as professionals.” —Mark Sullivan, Pepsi Bottling Group aggressive milestone program to allow employees to bond with PepsiAmericas and have a lot of reinforcement to show them how much they’re valued. That’s especially important for Generation Y to bond with the company immediately.” incentivemag.com | November 2008 | Incentive | 15 http://www.incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - November 2008

Incentive - November 2008 Editor’s Note Headlines Cover Story: Pop, Fizz! Incentive Interview Cracking the Recognition Code Primer Travel News Canada, City Style Potentials Here and Now Cameras: Picture of Innovation The Spirit of Giving Advertiser Index Last Word

Incentive - November 2008

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