Incentive - January 2008 - (Page 14)

COVER STORY Meetings in the Why AT&T mixes business with pleasure during the annual incentive program BY J EAN I E CAS I SON Mix A mbitious associates in the wireless division of AT&T are stepping up their performance for a chance to be part of the AT&T Summit. The annual reward and recognition program is a big deal for both the employees and senior sales executives of the San Antonio, Texas– based telecommunications company, but for better reasons than staying at a pricey resort. Surprisingly, these high achievers actually look forward to the mandatory meeting that happens on the second day of this incentive trip. Far from being a snoozer, the halfday session serves as the official kickoff of the AT&T Summit, a program that takes place in several waves to accommodate the different sales regions around the country. During this gathering, attendees get an exclusive preview of new products, services, advertisements and other initiatives before the information is 14 | Incentive | January 2008 | incentivemag.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH WONG shared with their peers or the general public. The event culminates with an uplifting recognition ceremony that results in rousing cheers from the entire AT&T crowd. After a morning of motivation, attendees and their guests spend the rest of the time relaxing with rounds of golf, pampering spa treatments and other recreational activities. “Surveys of our reps show that the AT&T Summit is a substantial motivator of performance and retention, which are key drivers of our sales organization,” says Karen Bennett, vice president of sales strategy and support for AT&T. “Last year, I had the opportunity to attend every single Summit, and I walked away thinking that the meeting is really the highlight of the trip. The [Summit] winners are recognized by their leaders— the folks who can get them promoted. At the same time, they are getting information about key business http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Incentive - January 2008

Incentive - January 2008
Contents
Editor’s Note: Out of SITE
In The News
Cover Story: Include a Meeting, Improve Morale
Case Study: DHL Delivers Recognition
Incentive Primer: How To Use Promo Products
How Bob Nardelli Rallied Chrysler’s Dealers
Incentive Interview: Ken Blanchard Says Be Nice
TV’s Extreme Makeover Motivates Giving
Pre-Employment Motivation
The Daycare Dilemma
Happy Employees Shouldn’t Mix with Sick Employees
Incentive Research: Consumer Promotions Report
In Her Shoes: Winning Approval Of Flextime
Travel News
Field Report: Barcelona
Field Report: Bermuda
Golf: Follow The Pros
potentials Here and Now
Watches As Jewelry
Awards: Online Gift Cards
Tech Gadgets for 2008
Last Word: Stanley Bing Bashes Bully Bosses

Incentive - January 2008