 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Dr.:
I am curious as to a few of the most common problems with motivating people in the
workplace. If possible, I'd also like to know some solutions to those problems.
Signed,
Curious
Dear Curious:
I am curious why you ask. If I knew the answer to that, possibly my answer would be
different.
If you were in a place that was down sizing, FEAR of job loss would prompt promptness,
conscientiousness, and even altruism. You would want to make your presence indispensable.
Perhaps inside, you might perform those seemingly good organizational behaviors
grudgingly; however, since attitude tends to follow behavior, maybe that external prompter
would gradually
become an internal motivator.
The conditioning we receive as young people is a motivator that lasts. Thus the work ethic
of industriousness is a motivator. Where does it fit in Maslow's hierarchy of motivation?
I'm not sure, but perhaps you have it. Not having it is a common problem, at least in the
minds of supervisors who lament over the lack of it in some of their subordinates. In
truth, there
most likely are other causes of absenteeism, neglect, and alienated behavior.
Motivating solutions hinge upon creating tangible external motivators of fair pay and
lock-in benefits such as health care insurance, stock options, built-up vacation time, and
tenure. Add to this, the psychological motivators of creating an exciting place to work
which makes
self-determination in one's job, impact, competency, and meaning the enablers of
empowerment.
Such a culture encourages voicing job concerns. Such a culture is a Can Do Place. These
are the motivators that reach beyond the Get-Give formula of social exchange.
So do tell me if these few thoughts motivate you to tell me why you ask about motivation.
Perhaps, what made you send in your question will give you insight into what motivates you
and others.
WEGO flows from the contagion of those who are motivated.
--Dr. Gorden
And A Follow Up From Curious:
Actually I have been doing research for a project in my communication
class. I was looking for some common strategies used by businesses to keep employees
motivated and thus productive. I have studied Maslow's heirarchy, and there is some
correlation between tactics of employers and the different basic needs of people. So that
is why I was curious, knowing this fact didn't
give me an insight as to what motivates people. I do have a firm grasp on why people do
things, I just wanted to see how businessess play upon this to keep employees productive.
So thank you for the information, it did help.