It is a common myth that the thing that motivates most people is money and yet anyone involved in personal development will be able to tell you, quite categorically, that this is rarely the case and that most people are actually motivated by a range of different factors, one of which may well be financial. So, what are the top motivators:
Autonomy
People naturally want to be free to control their own destiny, whilst we can’t have complete anarchy, allowing people to demonstrate autonomy in the way they set targets and reach goals has shown to have a significant impact on productivity, even in factory settings.
Making a Difference
When you ask most people what would make them feel good at work, the answer will almost always include something about making a difference to other people in some way, whether that is directly or at a distance. This is also often known as having meaning, a reason for doing what you do.
Being good at what you do
Being good at what you do and being known to be good are powerful motivators. People will often say they feel a sense of pride in a job well done, especially one in which they can see (and effect) the end result in some way.
Appreciation
Everyone likes to be appreciated and no one likes to be taken for granted. A simple thank you can make a big difference, an acknowledgement than someone’s contribution has had an impact can have a similar effect.
Personal Development
Most people would say that they like to develop, we weren’t born to be couch potatoes who only do the one thing we are trained to do. Our brain is constantly taking in and filtering vast amounts of information. Therefore giving people a challenge and recognising an achievement during that challenge can be particularly effective motivational techniques. Having faith that someone can do something is hugely positive to that person.
Over the coming weeks, I’m going to explore the idea of Motivation in a little more depth and particularly how it relates to mentoring and entrepreneurship, so if you have a favourite subject you’d like to contribute to or see covered, why not let me know. You can email me at linda@mowgli.org.uk.
