Why Are You Here?
Recently I asked two of my MBA classes to share their motivation for life. I wanted to know why these men and women take graduate level courses while also attempting to juggle their personal and professional obligations.
Over the next couple of hours, classmates shared their life stories. I was stunned and humbled by what I was hearing. This group, including many experienced leaders at recognizable companies, let their guard down and shared with one another on a level that I found surprisingly genuine.
The most dominant theme that I heard was a deeply rooted desire to work with people who could help them "be successful." They didn't just want help becoming a better employee; they wanted help learning how to become better people.
- Continuing education programs.
- New challenges.
- Greater clarity about what role they are expected to take at work.
- More insight into the leader's vision for the future.
- An environment in which their families were valued, performance is rewarded, and loyalty is cherished.
The second theme that emerged was a desire to be recognized when they do well. Bottom line, if you are not taking the opportunity to strategically recognize your co-workers, you are missing an opportunity to shape organizational culture, and you are increasing the likelihood of losing your top performers.
If recognition is specific and sincere and tailored to the recipient (i.e. some do not respond to public recognition but appreciate private acknowledgement) it tends to build trust and loyalty. For several students, workplace recognition helped affirm they could succeed despite what past critics have said.
What I found interesting was, first, the depth of their responses. Second, I was surprised how many students said they never had anyone ask them about their motivation.
One healthcare executive told her story of growing up in poverty. Fighting back tears, she described how her father abandoned them and when she realized as a small girl her only hope was to make her own way. I asked if many people at work knew her story and understood why she was so determined to succeed. She said, "not many."
I hope you take the time to learn what motivates those with whom you work. Sometimes we assume we know what drives others without taking the time to listen.
I'll close by asking you the same question I asked the students, "What motivates you?" We'd love to hear from you. Please send us your story at editor@cfthemagazine.com or find Character First on Facebook and share your story there.
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I can say I learned this from your MBA course and since then I have always tried to learn what motivates team members I work with and it has made a huge difference. Thank you!
Posted by Nikki McKeaigg, 24/07/2011 7:59pm (10 months ago)
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