I've thought about this a lot. I'm going to list what I think does and doesn't work for getting red cards.
THE GOODISH:
- GAMES: Games are a good idea. My store will often give out raffle tickets that will be drawn for a prize. HOWEVER...it's often hard to keep track of everyone whom actually gets these RedCards, and who actually wins. I get RedCards all the time. At least one a day. But because I'm in Guest Service, I don't always get recognized for it. I don't even remember to tell my GSTL half the time, because it's such a normal occurrence now. And in all honesty, I just don't care about the incentives half the time.
- PRIZES: Sometimes they give away prizes at the end of the night. They used to give away Target Dog Plushies, or T-shirts, or a little goodie bag. Same problem though, with everyone working different shifts, it's hard to find a fair way to keep track of redcards. I somehow don't own a single Target shirt. Every time they have given them out, I always happen to miss out for whatever reason. Even though I regularly do well with RedCards.
- PERSONAL INCENTIVES: These are the more desperate tactics I feel. Basically it's just, "Get a red card, and I'll get you a Starbucks." I honestly hate this the most because I feel guilty, and it feels like a cheap bribe.
THE BADISH
- Filling out papers explaining why I didn't get a RedCard. This is a total waste of time. Any time I don't get a RedCard, and they make me write down why I didn't get one, I write the same thing every time, which is, "No one wanted one." I don't see the purpose of this at all other than being some stupid attempt to intimidate people into doing better. If you want a REAL answer to the question "Why didn't you get a redcard?" Then create a survey and give it to your TMs and ask for their opinions. You'll get a real answer that way.
- Reporting to an LOD. Same thing, this is a total waste of time, and a shitty, insulting, intimidation tactic. I didn't get a redcard. And? What do you want me to say? I just didn't feel like forcing anyone to get one? Trying to understand the logic of these tactics really hurt the moral I think. They aren't productive, they're a waste of time, they focus on failure rather than success, thus, it makes my job feel pointless.
To Summarize...
Basically what will drive RedCard success, I think are 3 important factors. Consistency, Productivity, Unity. I think now that the goals are based on weekly numbers, and personal conversion scores are less important, then the mindset needs to become more focused on the group's success, rather than antagonizing everyone individually. Prizes and incentives are irrelevant if the GSTLs and LODs don't keep up on their bargains. Often times it's just way too busy to take time to go to the front and requisition some candy bar I didn't really want anyway, for a task I would have done regardless of whether or not I was being bribed.
And when it comes to disciplinary matters, one size does not fit all. Wasting time focusing on failures is completely unproductive, and especially wasted on those whom otherwise get RedCards. Being coached essentially, just because I didn't have a good day, when I otherwise do well, is the quickest way to zap all motivation out of me. Don't bother coaching anyone unless you actually notice them not asking or educating guests, or if you think they need help.
So what should you do? I don't know. Personally, I wish it ran off commission. If there was a full proof way to keep track of my yearly RedCard conversions, and then have that pay off when I get a raise during the yearly reviews, I'd be VERY motivated to push the RedCard. Even though I'm one of the top performers when it comes to getting RedCards, my only criticism during my yearly review was "Not educating the guests enough on RedCards." And I feel this effected my raise. That's crap. It's biased. Because I'm a more soft-spoken person, and because no one happens to SEE me educate guests, I get penalized for that, even though my numbers would reflect I actually do really well. It's unfair. I don't want free Starbucks. I want actual recognition. Not fleeting praises over the walkie.
