There is no reward for effort

There is no reward for effort

 

Appraisal Time

We have just completed the performance appraisal cycle for all the middle to senior management employees at work. I have never had any problems with the appraisal process because it’s a time to determine whether employees have been producing according to or exceeding their contractual agreements. At the beginning of each year everyone signs output agreements with their boss from which they will be measured. Everyone is measured on output and not on effort; and hence no one signs any effort agreements. The results of the appraisal process will be put together and calibrated so that it fits in a statistically normal distribution curve. In other words the appraisal scores are adjusted until their profile fits in a normal distribution curve. That’s were the problem begins; the calibration process – adjusting one’s performance to fit a common curve! The appraisal process presents some interesting life principles.

 

There is no effort agreement

We are living in a world that rewards the results and not the process; a world that recognizes the end without looking at the means to get to the end; and a world that celebrates the output and not the effort. We live in a world that believes that you can rig an election and win as long as you are not caught in the act; you can play foul and score as long as you are not given a red card; you can copy and pass as long as you are not caught. But we need to raise a different generation; a results-oriented generation that respects fair-play! A generation that has an active conscience; a generation that says ‘I will not offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing’ (2 Samuel 24 v 24). I agree that effort without results is worthless; but also the end does not justify the means. ‘And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:’ (Hebrews 6 v 11). You must produce results but with a clear conscience.

 

You must have an internal locus of control.

The appraisals calibration process dictates that all employees must fit in a predetermined performance curve. A panel of people determines where you fit relative to others and make a decision on you. It’s not my intention to attack a process but to make you understand an important principle. You are not made by what people think of you; but you are made by what you think of yourself. ‘For as he thinketh within himself, so is he:’ (Proverbs 23 v 7). Your success is not dependant on the failure of others but is dependant on what you do with the dreams and the potential that is within you. You are not a relative person but an absolute person. Don’t measure your victory in comparison to another person’s performance. You must have an internal locus of control; you must learn to be driven from within. You must be driven by your own calling, your own passions, your objectives and your ambitions. Don’t be driven by what the world expects of you. The world expected Christ to vie for a political position - for presidency; but he refused to be swayed by popular demand. He knew his calling and his purpose. If you know your calling, your purpose and your mandate you will stop crying on how the world calibrates you because you know that whatever their opinion – you are destined to succeed! Real leaders are not made by the masses but they make the masses.

 

The best reward for achievement is achievement itself

After the appraisal everyone wants to know what is in it for them. Don’t be mistaken – I definitely look forward to be rewarded for my contribution. But just imagine how much we could achieve in this world if we never minded or never worried who got rewarded or who got the credit after our innovative performance. We are a transactional generation. We never go an extra mile unless we know ‘what is in it for me’. The best reward for any achievement is the achievement itself. It may not be an easy one to swallow; but we perform best when we do it for the love of the game; and not necessarily for the love of the reward.

 

You are destined to succeed; and you are not made for the curve. Whatever people may say, keep the performance high!

 

Calvary love 

Peter Mbada

 

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