Old Saws Are Usually Dull

Working through a new client project the other day I was reminded of an "old saw" – you know – those rules of thumb that have been around for ages and are considered fundamental truths.

The saw I encountered was this…

When designing an incentive program allocate 70% of the program budget to awards, 20% to communications (print, etc.) and 10% to administration (tracking, reporting, measuring, etc.)

I was halfway into using that "old saw" when it dawned on me.  It’s not true anymore.

At one time it probably made a lot of sense but in today’s world it is just wrong.

The way we communicate in today’s business world is more a technological challenge than a "print" effort.  Email, text messaging, web sites, etc.  Printed communications are rare (or more rare than before) and communication is really a function of technology.  And technology is linked directly to how we manage the information in a program and the reporting, measuring and tracking.

Over time the functions of "communications" and "administration" have merged into one big bucket – let’s just call it "communistration."

In addition to the creation of a new function – the costs to manage data and communicate electronically have also dulled the edge of this old saw.

If the function is now a hybrid – and the costs of technology have dropped through the floor – it’s time for a new saw.

My recommendation?  Don’t use the saw at all.

Each program, each initiative has it’s own set of constraints and issues. 

Use your head not the saw.

Decide if the real issue is motivation or "communistration" and allocate your budget accordingly. 

If it is a motivation issue – focus more money in the awards area – say 90% or so.  If it is about communicating, measuring and tracking – with awards thrown in to gain attention – then I’d go with 70%  awards or even 60%.   Each issue is unique.

My main point is that sometimes we use old saws to cut corners and make decisions for us.  However, many times the "old saws" that have worked so well in the past become dull with age. 

Look at the truths that are used everyday to make decisions and challenge them, sharpen them.