Recognition from peers is a form of intangible or soft equity. It can’t be measured through stock price or cash flows. But it can be just as strong a motivator, or even stronger, as both a carrot and a stick. “A soldier,” Napoleon said, “will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.” In the case of mid-level corporate soldiers given visibility and autonomy, the colored ribbon is recognition from respected peers. Imagine a computer graphics pioneer called to the podium at a graphics conference, presented a trophy, basking in the admiration of his colleagues.
Teal.
