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Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

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Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#1

Post by russjhammond »

I am a product manager in a startup and we are about to release our MVP. Our team has worked hard and I want to recognize some individuals that worked hard to get it out on schedule. For obvious reasons I need to keep it simple & cheap but also want to make it something that our guys would take pride in receiving. The only thing that comes to mind are stickers like those seen on helmets that college football teams give to players that made big contributions. I know Ohio State & Florida State are two examples the come to mind. I would love any suggestions you all have.

Edit: Would love to give raises and days off but given 1) we are in a startup and 2) I am their peer not their boss, neither of those are options at the moment. Also, I should have added this to my original question, I have tried to be steadfast with my verbal encouragement & praise as we have been picking up momentum. Therefore I was looking for anything that would be meaningful in addition to that.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#2

Post by jlturner »

Honestly, I've found just acknowledging the hard work and effort they've put in, while in an all team context, is more rewarding than a trinket.

The best reward you can give is your respect and appreciation, especially if given publicly, signaling that you value that person. You'll be a stronger team if you can show true appreciation for one another.

(PS: Take the team out for beer too, obviously :) )

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#3

Post by mkautzm »

I don't mean to be coy and snide, but I bet they'd appreciate a raise if you think they are worth it. Kind of goes up against, 'Need to keep it cheap'. If money isn't an option, then as was mentioned, some honest, sincere and public acknowledgement of their work is a great way to thank them.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#5

Post by jimcsharp »

mkautzm wrote: post #3

I don't mean to be coy and snide, but I bet they'd appreciate a raise if you think they are worth it. Kind of goes up against, 'Need to keep it cheap'. If money isn't an option, then as was mentioned, some honest, sincere and public acknowledgement of their work is a great way to thank them.

I would find it hard not to be personally offended at being handed a sticker. If you're going to give a gift, make it booze. You know, adult stuff. Not kindergarten stuff.

Sincere public ack > sticker.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#7

Post by russjhammond »

jlturner wrote: post #2

Honestly, I've found just acknowledging the hard work and effort they've put in, while in an all team context, is more rewarding than a trinket. The best reward you can give is your respect and appreciation, especially if given publicly, signaling that you value that person. You'll be a stronger team if you can show true appreciation for one another. (PS: Take the team out for beer too, obviously :) )

Agreed. As a few individuals have really make some big impacts I have been sure to thank them personally for working hard and helping us hit our date. I intend to thank the team publicly as well once we are live but I guess I was looking if there would be something in addition to verbal praising that would be meaningful.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#8

Post by smileysteve »

-- Make Stickers Regular --

Helmet type stickers would feel like a way to vey much marginalize any significant contribution. You might want to make stickers something regular, ie for any new feature. Sales guys often do stickers for each deal or every deal that they win against a competitor.

-- Do an extra celebration --

Grab $100 from the budget and d o an extra team outing that they'll enjoy. Get a mini keg for the office, kick back and relax for the world cup one day.

Re: Ask HN: Good way to recognize and reward team members?

#10

Post by Jemaclus »

I really appreciate field trips from my boss. Occasionally, he'll buy us lunch or take us to a ball game or to the premiere of a movie or something.

From a more permanent perspective, you can buy little statues/medals online for pretty cheap that can be customized for the product. As a runner, I really love medals, even if in the grand scheme of things they don't matter that much. It's nice to be able to say "See that? I got that because I did a good job." You don't even have to do medals. Maybe custom bobble heads, custom baseball cards (or any other kind of card).

Lots of options. But for the most part, I really just enjoy knowing that someone out there really appreciates my hard work. A nice speech and a bottle of champagne goes a long way, too.

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