The idea that all workers, paid or volunteer, are, in essence, volunteers is not new. In today's highly competitive job market, employees, especially in technical fields, frequently entertain job offers from headhunters. What makes people stay at a company? Most think erroneously that money is the number one motivator. It's not.

An acquaintance, a chemist in the computer industry, recently complained to me that his company didn't recognize him for one of his inventions—a special solution that washes silicon chips. He told me his company pays him a big salary, but "what I want is recognition for what I've done," he said. He was frustrated because he hadn't been singled out for his unique contribution on several projects.

"Psychic income" refers to what motivates people other than money, such as respect, recognition, and challenge. Psychic income may be the only non-eternal benefit people receive from serving in the church, yet it's often in short supply. Simple things such as a thank-you ...