Executive Compensation

I have been thinking a lot about what motivates people to do good work. There are as many different things that can motivate people as there are people. Compensation has to be one of them, and a big one for most. Commission opportunities, annual bonuses, stock options, incentive plans all seem to point toward making more money.

I agree that money plays a part in everyone’s motivation - but not a very large part in the truly great people.

The people that I have hired (and that I want to hire in the future) are motivated because they are “ingrained within” to do a great job. They are the type of people that have the motto, "Anything my hand touches must be great." They are people that would be embarrassed by a mediocre performance, or that would stay late at work (or work at home) to make sure their work is excellent. They can not imagine turning in something, or calling something complete that isn't great in their eyes – regardless of their compensation.

They usually are the people who volunteer, or who have done many things without compensation. They are happy to help, to advise, to meet and discuss. They share their stories and experiences and have time for others.

These types of people get paid well, but their compensation is not what drives them. Their character and inner beliefs are what drives them, and what motivates them to do a good job.

Let me know what your thoughts are on this subject. Why do you do "a great job?"