Motivate with rewards and incentives

Have you ever entered a contest before? Competed in a game? Ran a race? I bet everyone's answer would be a resounding yes. How did I know that was a universal yes? Because we as humans are motivated by incentives and rewards. I mean, who doesn't love a good prize? With learning it's no different. Learners are more apt to be engaged when there is something to gain. In this lesson, I'm going to share how to boost learner engagement by using different motivational techniques in addition to implementing reward systems that align with your training goals. Let's begin by understanding what a reward or incentive is and how we can use them to create buy in from our learners. Simply put, a reward is a prize. It is something that motivates us to participate. When implemented successfully, rewards should boost engagement and provide a feeling of happiness when obtained. Take bingo for example. Players are actively engaged because they want to be the first person to mark off all their squares. Bingo! It’s a rush of excitement, a sense of happiness and accomplishment by exclaiming that they are the winner and have a prize headed their way. The next level of understanding of rewards and incentives comes with learning what the different types can be. Although monetary rewards may come to mind when you think about the different types, rewards do not have to be a physical prize like money, although they can be. Rewards can be as simple as being named the winner, given recognition internally or externally, or being awarded a virtual certificate. Begin brainstorming. What is a reward that might motivate you? When used correctly rewards systems can be utilized as a training energizer. This means that the reward or incentive can bring life to an otherwise boring or dull training. We've all been in a training or class before that almost put us to sleep. So if your learners have that glaze eye look halfway through training, introducing a reward can help bring life back to the party and keep them engaged. Lastly, ensuring a reward or incentive will be successful. Success requires rewards that are clear, consistent and fair. It's important to introduce the reward and the rules in a clear manner when you begin a training or activity and you avoid changing things up halfway through. Don't start with, The reward will be you have this Friday off, but then come back with, Never mind, it'll actually be a pizza party. This will lead to disengagement and distrust in the system. Now it's your turn. I challenge you to come up with a few different reward possibilities that would align with your training goals. When your next training is scheduled, be ready to increase learner engagement by keeping the audience captivated with incentives.