Mastery, Autonomy, Purpose

by: Doug

June 21, 2010

This morning in our meeting, Dave (the General Director aka big boss) played a video from You Tube that explains recent (and old) research that explains what motivates people.

It is 11 minutes long, but well worth the time. The content is great, the presentation is even better. Seriously, this guy’s talent is impressive.

Anywho. The point of the video is to say that we are not motivated by money in our ‘work’. They even say that for more complex tasks a financial reward (ie bonus) makes one’s performance go down. What does get the most out of people?

Autonomy. People like to direct themselves. A software company in Australia has found that employees produce the best work, most innovative ideas and have the most fun during their periodic 24 hour “do what you want” days. The only rule: show what you did with the time. Though not in this video, Google has as similar program that accounts for some of Google’s best non search products (Gmail for one). Here at the USCWM I’ve been able to function in a way that allows me to see what needs exist and build tools to help meet those needs. I do this with direction and a general framework of what priorities are from leadership, however my day to day work is largely left up to me to manage. Even when at Unilever I found this to be my most productive way to work. Tell me what the goal is, set me up with some guidelines and let me go.

Mastery. As they say in the video it is why we pick up new hobbies and interests. People like to get better at things they enjoy. A few years ago I found I really enjoyed web design and development. I also enjoy video and media production. This goes along with my general interest in all things technology. It should then come as no surprise that I really do enjoy learning more about the work I do, how to do it better, and how to improve the quality of the products I develop here. While I’m far from mastering any of these, i’ve made great progress and continue to look forward to learning new things.

Purpose. While I always enjoyed the things I do here, I’ve never had as great a purpose for doing them. This can be evidenced in how this site, dougeli.com tends to lag behind my learning curve. I could do things to make it better, but I’d rather put that time and effort into other sites that have a greater purpose. That is why I can’t wait to get to the office and get working on the updates and enhancements to any of the 10+ sites I’ve developed for programs and projects here. Those sites actually help further God’s work and advance his Kingdom. Having a purpose to get to the office and use these skills really does make a difference.

As I tell people all the time. I really do enjoy coming to the office on a Monday. I even hesitate to call it ‘work’. This video really resonated with me. I’ve never thrived as much in all the other roles and jobs I’ve had. I don’t look at my work as a 8-5 job. Rather I look at is as a part of my life that I focus on from 8-5ish (or later if Emily is not waiting for me) and gets a good deal of my attention during other times as well.

Those three key aspects that motivate people are all in play for me and it really does make a difference. I have never been so happy to work so hard and it sure isn’t for the salary!