In providing prizes, the firm was rather
generous, though the expense was never great.
While the contest was in progress, all those
who were really ``in the running'' had the
satisfaction of honorable mention, with their
photographs reproduced in the house bulletin.
This honor and publicity was the chief reward
received by the great majority of contestants,
and was adequate. Minor prizes were offered
on conditions, allowing a large number to qualify,
and tempting virtually everybody to make
an effort to win one. The value of the prizes
did not need to be great, for each man was
impressed with the idea that his comrades were
watching him, that they observed every advance
or retrogression. Success in the contest
meant ``making good'' in the eyes of the
other salesmen as well as in the eyes of his
superiors.
<p 72>
_This desire for social approval and the spirited
comment of the editor had a marked influence
on the efficiency of many of the younger
salesmen_.
These special contests were conducted
chiefly during the ``rush'' seasons, when
activity and efficiency of salesmen meant
greater returns to the house. Because of
their varied forms the contests did not become
monotonous, and thus fail in their effect.
During the three or four ``big'' selling months
when special quotas were announced, an individual
pocket schedule was mailed to each
man, showing how much business he must close
each day to keep pace with ``Mr. Quota,'' the
constant competitor.
_The most industrious and ambitious men are
stimulated by competition; with the less industrious
such a stimulation is often wonder working
in its effects_.
For many positions in the business world a
hypothetical bogy should be created after the
style of the quota referred to above.
To increase the feeling of comradeship and
<p 73>
promote co<o:>peration between the men the
entire organization or single sections of it
occasionally should be made the unit of competition.
This is perhaps the most helpful
form of competition, but it is hard to execute.
Valuable prizes should always be given to
the winners. This ``need'' may not necessarily
be monetary.
Promotion should not depend upon success
in contests, but such success may be well
reckoned in awarding promotions.
Public commendation for success in competition
costs the company little and is greatly
appreciated by the winner. There seems to
be no reason why the head of the house should
not assist in the presentation.
The most essential factor in creating interest
in a contest is the skill of the ``sporting
editor'' in injecting the real spirit of the
game into each contest, thus securing wide
publicity, and enlisting the co<o:>peration of
large numbers of participants.
Prizes should be widely distributed, so that
the greatest number may be encouraged.
<p 74>
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account