The Mutual Reward Theory

1. The Mutual Reward Theory A manager cannot become a leader without helping employees become followers Employees that become followers do so voluntarily. There must be an element of trust and a strong belief that life will be better as a true follower than as an employee.

2. Building Empowered Followers Create an exciting working environment. Make each employee feel like a team member. Raise levels of expectations. Share both small and large victories. Make people feel better about themselves and their self-worth.

3. Taste of Victory Employees do not want work to seem like work � uninspired. Employees who are given a role in decision making become empowered. It is a matter of pride. Employees want to feel they are part of a team that is winning an important race.

4. Mutual Reward Theory When MRT works both parties come out ahead. It is a win � win situation. The relationship between two people, or groups, is improved and enhanced when there is a satisfactory exchange of rewards between them. People who want to become leaders must provide rewards.

5. Psychological Rewards Most rewards are psychological not material Sense of accomplishment Pride Esprit de corps Self-esteem Positive reinforcement & encouragement

6. The Right Mix Leaders must develop their own reward matrix according to the goals of the organization and the needs of its people. Must work out a group reward exchange where everybody comes out ahead. The right mix of the right rewards at the right time.

7. Making MRT Work Forces a leader to become a better listener. Encourages both parties to get together to exchange views, negotiate, and learn more about each other. The number one benefit of MRT is better communication.

8. Give More Than You Receive Leaders also get rewards but they usually give more rewards than they receive. Leadership is the ability to attract and keep followers. Organizations can appoint leaders but the ultimate source of power comes from followers.

9. Keeping Followers When trouble starts, leaders need to move quickly and provide the rewards that will get everyone on the right track again. MRT will not work if used to strengthen the leader�s position at the expense of the followers. One cannot lead effectively without heart. The better the reward system works, the more motivated each party becomes.

10. Positive Leadership Skills Listening With Full Attention Empathizing With People Empathic response is not judgmental Asset Focusing Zero in on the assets in people you meet Develop Alternative Perceptions & Perspectives

11. Encourage Team Spirit Emphasize cooperation as opposed to competition among members. Give group credit & encourage each group member to do the same. Share similarities you observe among group members. Be a common interest advocate. Find a common denominator among people

12. Person-to-person Links Identify common struggles & challenges that face each person. Emphasize the common goal that links the members of the team. Build team morale by focusing on team effort, instead of just success or failure. Focus on improvement --

13. Think bigger & better Emphasize how each person is a vital contributor to the goals of the team. Build team spirit by celebrating together. Recognize the Power of Conveying Confidence In People. The self-fulfilling prophecy cause people to perform according to your expectations

14. Have Confidence in Others Convey fresh new confidence in people everyday. Be the person who continues to believe in a person everyone else has given up on. Overcome negative beliefs about yourself, other people, and the world around us.