This thought provoking video highlights how we’ve been using the wrong techniques to motivate others and it talks about the science of motivation. Studies have shown that our most used method of motivation using the carrot-stick method (i.e. reward performance and punish poor performance) does not yield the results we are looking for, in fact it probably is hurting the performance of your business. Given my capitalistic attitudes, this would require some real proof. After watching the video, it resonated with me and I’m working on bringing some of these ideas to life. These key motivational points are really good to keep in mind:
1. Autonomy: The urge to direct our own lives. This is great motivation for the entrepreneur, however for the employee it is really important to give them the ability to feel autonomous. Provide some guardrails and allow your employee to find their way to the outcome, the creativity may surprise you.
2. Mastery: The desire to get better and better at something that matters. We want to excel at something, provide opportunities for your employees to grow through training, practice, and time. It is a tremendous motivator.
3. Purpose: The yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves. Define and communicate a big vision that is impactful – it is a powerful motivator. In one of my companies, our vision is to make life a little more happy and fun everyday by bringing entertainment closer to you.
Are you going to re-think your management style? What do you think about moving away from the carrot stick management style? What do you think about rethinking management entirely?
How about motivation? How are you motivated? Do you think your motivation is enhancing your chance of success or detracting from it? Ultimately, I’m a big believer in doing something that is larger than ourselves and in doing so, we are well on our way towards a successful journey.
Hat tip to Russell for sending me this video.
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