Motivation

Motivation is a complex subject, it's subjective to each individual. We are all motivated by different things. With regards to work, a lot depends on whether you're a lone shark, a team leader/manager or a team member.

There are a number of recognised motivators as defined by Herzberg: achievement, recognition, possibility of growth, advancement, responsibility, or perhaps the work itself turns you on.

If you work on your own, you need to be a real self-starter, self-motivated and a high-achiever because there is nobody to give you that all important pep talk when you need one. Salesmen for example spend endless time travelling and then a short period only with the client. If they don't make a sale, that can be soul-destroying.

Trainers for example spend their lives researching and refining their skills so that when delivery time comes their students have the best possible learning experience. A great course with lots of energetic students is wonderful, but on Friday afternoon when they shake your hand and say goodbye, there is an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Having created a fantastic environment for learning, the end of the week comes all too soon, and that's it, until next time.

Some people function best as a team member, they're driven on by the collective sense of purpose and the energy of their colleagues. People who work for charities are often more interested in the work itself because they feel it has a sense of personal reward. Some people have the gift of being able to give and share and receive little else except the satisfaction of a job well done.

Then there's the manager, the executive, the director who is expected to lead and motivate his team and department through difficult times. Not an easy task. But that's where their ability to persuade and connect with their staff are absolutely vital.

Where do you fit in to this frame? Please let me know.