I believe it is common for most working adults to consider their salary to be one of the most important factors when it comes to their occupation. However, Andy Mulholland believes the three most important reasons we work are to "perform interesting work, to expand skill sets, and most importantly, to be recognized" (Mulholland, 2011) and valued (value me for what I can do and how I can work for you). Money is an important factor, but as I have learned from my experience, it is not the most important. Around five years ago, I left a position with a very generous salary for a position in which I earned considerably less. I have no regrets and that experience taught me how money truly is not everything. I have also found I need to enjoy what I do to be motivated. I have been fortunate to enjoy most of the jobs I have performed, but there were a few jobs I was less than thrilled to do. Being interested in what I do keeps me engaged and refreshed because not only do I like what I do, I actually want to perform at a high level. Expanding my skill sets is also an important motivator. The desire to expand my skill sets helps me feel like I am avoiding stagnation and prepares me for growth. I know improving my skills will make me better at what I am currently doing and lead to opportunity. As Mulholland mentioned, it is important to be recognized and valued by the organization you work for (2011). I could not agree more. Sometimes a simple “great job” from my supervisor is all it takes to help keep me motivated. Conversely, if I never hear anything about my performance, I can sometimes feel like I am working hard for no reason. It is a horrible feeling when I know I have executed significant achievements, yet I am the only one who notices.
One of the most important motivators is the people around me. I have been in organizations where the coworkers can make a job be either fun and exciting or dreadful and stale. I used to have a job where I hated going to work because I knew I had to deal with an individual who was confrontational and difficult no matter the circumstance. I tried many avenues of communication to make things more cohesive without success. Currently, y coworkers are part of the reason I love going to work every day. We are more like a family than just someone we work with. Someone can usually tell if another is stressed or having a bad day and they will genuinely be concerned and try to help in any way they can. Another factor that motivates me is my supervisor. I have had many supervisors throughout my career and they have the ability to make a job feel like it is the best job on earth or they can make a job a living hell. Fortunately, I have only had a couple supervisors make my job feel like the latter. It is wonderful to have a supervisor who cares about me as a person and my performance. A supervisor who is the opposite of a micro-manager and who empowers me to handle my job with little to no interference unless I ask for guidance. Finally, I believe another motivator in any job is gratification. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment in performing my job. Knowing I can make a difference and impact the quality of my organization provides me incredible satisfaction. This just goes to show that money is usually an important motivator for job performance, however, it is not typically the most important motivator.
Reference:
Mulholland, Andy. (2011). The three things we work for (money isn't
one of them). Retrieved from http://library.books24x7.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/bookshelf.asp
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