Motivational myths investigated
As we pass the middle of the year many people, both adults and learners, begin to feel a lack of motivation.
This time of year is normally a stressor for people of different walks of life which means motivations and motivational methods are high in demand. Motivation, however, is a tricky topic as there are many things which factor into motivation. Review spoke to motivational speaker, Joshua Muller, about factors which are often misunderstand when it comes to motivation.
People simply lack the motivation to work
Are the rewards employees or learners receive the ones they want, however?
One of the most common myths is people (managers, bosses, parents and teachers) feel others are not appreciative when they are given some rewards when the fact is many people want different things.
“For instance, one person may be motivated by a financial reward while another will be motivated with a thank you and a pat on the shoulder,” Muller explained.
Happy workers are productive workers
Productivity leads to job, exam or results satisfaction. If you do a good job, you feel positive about your efforts. This, in turn, fuels your energy to accomplish more and work harder to get there.
“Many people in management or teachers in a school make the mistake to think they need the best chairs, the best coffee machines and the best equipment to make the employees and learners happier which will result in them working harder. The facts are, less disruptions and distractions make an employee and learner more productive,” Muller said.
People want to set their own goals
“In spite of the logic behind this practice, there’s little evidence to show that goals set in partnership, between employee and manager or learner and teacher, are superior to those unilaterally assigned by the boss,” Muller said.
Muller said that there are reasons why people do better with goals they help set.
These, however, need other factors which include:
• There must be enough time for the employee or learner to give their input.
• When goals are given it should be something of interest to both the employee and the learner.
• Having the needed skills and equipment to accomplish goals is important.
• The workplace or educational culture must be positive to help set goals be reached.
