Not all money feels the same. When I receive a gift card, I like to spend it on experiences that create lasting memories. When money comes as credit, I focus on returns and investments. And when I earn it, there’s little emotion attached—it’s just part of the routine.
The point is, our relationship with money shifts depending on how we receive it. The same holds true for organisations. As leaders, we must recognise how our people value the rewards and incentives they receive. A bonus, a gift, or a raise—each is received differently, and not all carry the same weight. Not all money is the same.