This week's topic is on motivation. It is important for us as leaders and followers to understand first what motivates us, and second what motivates our people. What is it that motivates us at work, or in our personal lives? Is it money? Are we challenged enough? Are we happy?
Andy Mulholland of SkillSoft Ireland Limited stated three key motivations that foster an efficient working culture, or environment in organizations. These three concepts are offering interesting work, expanding a skill set, and recognizing the achievements of the individual. It is interesting that Andy doesn't include monetary values as one of the key elements of motivation. In fact, he states that money is not enough to keep an employee engaged. He believes that if an employee is engaged in work that is interesting, improving his/her skill set, and being recognized for their achievements they will find their own motivation that transcends monetary values.
Ironically, this week's lesson comes at a time where I am exploring options for employment outside of the Navy. I am currently in the last year of my contract and actively researching industries that I would want to work in when I get out. When I ask myself what is important for me to make such a drastic change in my life I find my answers are clearly aligned with Andy's assessment.
Now, I do have some serious responsibilities to provide for my family, but as I am considering this option or that option I try to see myself in that environment. Would I be happy working as an airport manager in the long run? Do I want to get back into sales and struggle through the peaks and troughs of commissions? Do I see myself as a "suit" in the energy industry? The bottom line is... will I be happy in my choices. I believe that if I can answer in the affirmative I will be happy with the amount of money I bring in.
A wise friend, and successful entrepreneur Patrick of Rainbow Play systems once told me it is hard to carve out a living doing what you love, but if you learn to love what you do you can exceed your financial expectations. At the time he told me this I was studying theater in college with aspirations of making it in the movie/film industry. I loved to perform. My love for this craft almost blinded me to the harsh facts of that industry. For every big-name star on today's silver screen there are hundreds (if not thousands) of other actors with equal or better talent waiting tables hoping for their big break. Was it impossible? No. Would it have been difficult to succeed... probably. However, Patrick also gave me a break selling his playgrounds where I learned a valuable skill, was challenged each and every day, and made more money than I had ever before. I really learned to love that job and the art of selling. I loved it so much that I absorbed any and all reading material I could on the subject. I had to establish, in my life, what I am good at and what I wanted to be good at.
There are a few things that I will not sacrifice when (and if) I take a new job outside the Navy. First, I want to be able to make a difference. I want to be able to help a company grow, meet their objectives, and cultivate those around me. Second, I want to learn a new trade. I jumped from sales to air traffic control for the Navy, and I know that my combined experiences can be a huge asset in learning a new trade. Whether it is at an airport, working for an airline, or in the energy industry I want be able to continue my quest for self-improvement and knowledge base. Finally, I want to help others grow and exceed their own needs. I have been apart of several organizations that fostered mentorship as a means to cultivate their employees. I absolutely loved that! I had mentors grab me up and say "do this, kid, and you will have more than you ever thought possible here". In turn, when I was in management I did the same for those who I supervised. I saw people who really wanted to improve themselves, and nothing made me happier than helping them accomplish their goals.
All in all, I believe that if I can find a balance between my work, personal, and spiritual lives I can find happiness. The money will come after the balance can be attained.
JP
Andy Mulholland of SkillSoft Ireland Limited stated three key motivations that foster an efficient working culture, or environment in organizations. These three concepts are offering interesting work, expanding a skill set, and recognizing the achievements of the individual. It is interesting that Andy doesn't include monetary values as one of the key elements of motivation. In fact, he states that money is not enough to keep an employee engaged. He believes that if an employee is engaged in work that is interesting, improving his/her skill set, and being recognized for their achievements they will find their own motivation that transcends monetary values.
Ironically, this week's lesson comes at a time where I am exploring options for employment outside of the Navy. I am currently in the last year of my contract and actively researching industries that I would want to work in when I get out. When I ask myself what is important for me to make such a drastic change in my life I find my answers are clearly aligned with Andy's assessment.
Now, I do have some serious responsibilities to provide for my family, but as I am considering this option or that option I try to see myself in that environment. Would I be happy working as an airport manager in the long run? Do I want to get back into sales and struggle through the peaks and troughs of commissions? Do I see myself as a "suit" in the energy industry? The bottom line is... will I be happy in my choices. I believe that if I can answer in the affirmative I will be happy with the amount of money I bring in.
A wise friend, and successful entrepreneur Patrick of Rainbow Play systems once told me it is hard to carve out a living doing what you love, but if you learn to love what you do you can exceed your financial expectations. At the time he told me this I was studying theater in college with aspirations of making it in the movie/film industry. I loved to perform. My love for this craft almost blinded me to the harsh facts of that industry. For every big-name star on today's silver screen there are hundreds (if not thousands) of other actors with equal or better talent waiting tables hoping for their big break. Was it impossible? No. Would it have been difficult to succeed... probably. However, Patrick also gave me a break selling his playgrounds where I learned a valuable skill, was challenged each and every day, and made more money than I had ever before. I really learned to love that job and the art of selling. I loved it so much that I absorbed any and all reading material I could on the subject. I had to establish, in my life, what I am good at and what I wanted to be good at.
There are a few things that I will not sacrifice when (and if) I take a new job outside the Navy. First, I want to be able to make a difference. I want to be able to help a company grow, meet their objectives, and cultivate those around me. Second, I want to learn a new trade. I jumped from sales to air traffic control for the Navy, and I know that my combined experiences can be a huge asset in learning a new trade. Whether it is at an airport, working for an airline, or in the energy industry I want be able to continue my quest for self-improvement and knowledge base. Finally, I want to help others grow and exceed their own needs. I have been apart of several organizations that fostered mentorship as a means to cultivate their employees. I absolutely loved that! I had mentors grab me up and say "do this, kid, and you will have more than you ever thought possible here". In turn, when I was in management I did the same for those who I supervised. I saw people who really wanted to improve themselves, and nothing made me happier than helping them accomplish their goals.
All in all, I believe that if I can find a balance between my work, personal, and spiritual lives I can find happiness. The money will come after the balance can be attained.
JP
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