Motivation is a complicated thing. It takes more than decent pay to inspire excellence. Communication that shares the organization's vision and goals while encouraging feedback creates a sense of belonging. Team players begin to understand the role that their small, repetitious tasks have in the organization's big picture. Incentives motivate team members to perform above the minimum expected of them.
Some surveys indicate that recognition is the most important element of motivation.
Great athletes are doing the job for which they were hired and trained. Yet look at how important a Most Valuable Player designation can be. Recognition can be accomplished in a number of small, inexpensive ways like an afternoon off, an extra casual day or a handwritten thank you note. Learning Never Stops Most of all, professionalism in sales, as in any other professional endeavor, requires a commitment to continued practice. True professionals read journals and trade literature regularly and have little need to check the materials during the game, the trial or the operation.