I will say that the practice of offering non-substantive incentives always infuriated me in the corporate world. I always perceived it on the level of bribery or more as "opium for the masses." As David points out, it's both easier and cheaper to buy donuts than to lead.

I praise those leaders who make the choice to invest in their employees and see them as partners. It is doing the right thing and even though the path to success may be a longer or more difficult road, the long-term benefits of this investment truly pay off.

It is leading by example. If you expect your team to respect your customers or clients, you must respect your team from the top down. Choosing to value those you lead and offering them some level of dignity and respect goes a lot further than those short-sited incentives ever will.

Also, ditto to Mike Henry...long live the beer tag!