Have you ever received a gimmick or trash trinket aimed at motivating you to perform some random behavior and thought, “Yeah…that’s a pretty clever idea”? The expert level of ingenuity is only reinforced when you find yourself telling your break-room lunch partner about the knickknack and repeating the accompanied slogan…marketing at its peak.

This happened to me recently with a topic that is as serious as an undertaker – health and safety. It is not only a very sober issue, but tends to be dry and directive, “Do this! Don’t do that!” The consequences of not following a safety program can be tragic. Perhaps this is why the trinket struck me as clever. June is National Safety Month and I have been reminded of our Zero Accidents safety goal with a Zero candy bar in my work mailbox! I had never tasted a Zero bar before and now, in addition to being introduced to the scrumptious world of white fudge over caramel and nut nougat, I’ve been programmed that if I am safe I will receive sugar deliciousness in return. Extrinsic motivation works wonders, as do Behavior-Based Safety Programs.

A concept rings true here that one person’s trash trinket is another person’s thorn in the side. I no sooner read the magic words “white fudge” when it was robustly brought to my attention that this gimmick cost the company money. In a big company, it might cost a pretty penny and we all know current budgets are waif-like slim. But, this motivational reminder is an investment…a marketing ploy that is part of a bigger, proven program aimed at shaping behavior. Safety education and motivation must be continuous. In the words of Zig Ziglar, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” Even when significantly cutting back costs, a company still has the right to do fun things when these things have an important purpose and make business sense.

Another thorn pricking some skin is the idea of using a food that is void of nutritional value as a reward. Yes, obesity and diabetes are rampant in our world and Weight Watchers at Work is the newest daytime sorority, but that debate will be saved for another post. I don’t know if we should insist on skinny-focused motivation or if vending machines should be outlawed, but I do know that even in these tight-walleted tumultuous times, we should continue with our motivational programs where they make sense and have a chance at making an impact.

To help counteract the sugar rush of the Zero, here is my favorite ‘skinny’ Gumbo recipe:

Skinny Chicken & Shrimp Gumbo

• 2 whole chicken breasts (can use rotisserie chicken if in a time crunch)
• 1/2 pound shrimp, boiled, peeled and deveined (I cut the tails off so they are easier to eat.  Can also use small, cooked frozen shrimp)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 1 bag of frozen gumbo vegetables (okra, corn, tomatoes, onions, found in frozen foods)
• 1 pint of mushrooms, diced (canned works too)
• 3 cloves minced garlic, diced
• ½ small onion, diced
• 48 oz cups chicken stock
• 1 sm 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp hot sauce such as Crystal or Louisiana (If you have Tabasco add ½ tbsp)
• 2 splashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 2tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in a tsp of cold water (optional, for thickening)

Season raw chicken breasts with generous amounts of salt and black pepper.  In a large stock pot, heat olive oil on medium high (do not allow oil to smoke). Sauté chicken on med/high until no longer pink; remove chicken from pot, set aside and allow to cool, then dice.  In same pot with remaining oil, turn heat down to medium and add the diced onion, mushrooms and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Add shrimp, chicken stock, bay leaves, frozen vegetables, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.   Add diced chicken, tomatoes and tomato paste.  Place on medium high and cook until hungry (or at least 15 minutes)…the longer the better. Add salt/pepper to taste.  If needed, dissolve cornstarch in water and add to pot to thicken.  You can eat as is or over rice.  Makes about 7 servings.