Science has proven what we know intuitively. But why is business still playing to the myths of motivation? TED talk by Daniel Pink, author of upcoming book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Posts Tagged checked out managers
Did you know that the most common reaction that I get when I describe the GarbageFactor™ to people is a surprised and knowing laugh? It can be everything from a slight chuckle to a bend over and lose your lunch guffaw. It depends on how much garbage people are dealing with. The more garbage a workplace has, the harder people laugh. Tonight was a perfect example.
I went out to shop for a new video camera this evening. I was fortunate in that the sales person, I’ll call him Marco, really knew what he was talking about. He quickly figured out my level of understanding and spoke to what I’d understand. Besides his technical expertise, he was a really delightful person and I began to really enjoy my visit.
In between answering questions about the camera, he began to ask me about what I do. So, I explained the GarbageFactor™, and then the laughter came. When I get that kind of response, I can’t resist asking questions. I want to know the answer to what are people really having to deal with in the workplace.
Marco pulled me aside to tell me a few stories. Ugh! It’s bad enough when people have one story for me, but when they have multiple stories? It’s time for a management overhaul!
One story that he told me really stood out. He said “I hate when managers aren’t behind a company any more. They’re just here for their benefits, or their college reimbursement. Why are they here if they don’t believe in the company?”
Note to employers: Your employees can tell when you’ve checked out. Whether you are disillusioned or close to retirement, if you’ve checked out, they know it and they are talking about it in the lunch room. If you want your employee’s engaged, the first thing you need to do is get yourself re-engaged or get out. Go find someplace where you can feel alive again. Don’t bring people with good energy down because a company didn’t turn out to be your dream employer.
As for Marco, he offered me his resume. Anyone looking for a hard working, very knowledgeable, goal oriented employee with technical knowledge and sales experience?
