To make the process easier, it is helpful to assign an owner to each sub-goal. This person becomes the one in charge of not only achieving a particular sub-goal, but also determining how to measure it and report on its status at every company meeting. Once a sub-goal is completed, the owner is also in charge of presenting to the team how it was achieved and what means were used to track it. Most importantly, the owner then has the pleasure of pulling off the sub-goal puzzle piece and replacing it with a ‘prize’ piece that has a value worthy of the accomplishment.
The company’s finance department suggested some gift card rewards, too. However, rather than just handing over an envelope with a gift card, it was made to be more entertaining. In this case, the gift cards were stuffed into balloons, which required employees to pop them to get the prize. The main objective of the pool and hot tub industry is delivering fun, relaxation, and quality time with family and friends. Therefore, weaving this experience into daily fun at work was essential to keeping employees motivated—whether they are manufacturing pool covers, selling hot tubs and chemicals, or keeping pools clean.
The results
In the end, the employees at this author’s company were able to accomplish more than 80 per cent of the 32-puzzle pieces in the first year. The business also achieved its top-level goals in the process. The company and its employees entered this challenge because teamwork is vital to success. It was not easy at first, but once the puzzle system was put in place it empowered every sector of the business, not only helping everyone complete set targets for the season, but also having fun at the same time. In fact, the puzzle turned into a game in which the entire company became involved, helping everyone work together more efficiently along the way. Next season, the team is excited to achieve all of the company’s goals because everyone agreed if all 32 sub-goals are achieved, the prize under the final puzzle piece will be spectacular.
Michael Sheb
ek is owner and CEO of Automatic Pool Covers Inc., a cover manufacturer based in Westfield, Ind. The business was started in 1979 as a pool cover installation and service company. Shebek has more than 20,000 hours of in-field pool cover service experience. He can be reached via e-mail at mshebek@apc-mfg.com.
