Motivation can possibly be viewed from two distinct types of lenses – internal and instrumental.
Let’s say, if you are planning to start running on daily basis for at least 30 minutes in the morning, and your motive behind that is to remain fit then you are internally motivated. However, if your motive for the same task is to achieve some sort of renown or want to set an example for your family then you are instrumentally motivated.
Quite often, we have a bit of both internal and instrumental motives for doing what we feel motivated to do. Now, of course, it is quite subjective to assume that what type of motive is conducive for better success in any particular task. Social researchers have different findings pertaining to their respective studies. And, if the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences are to be believed then, instrumental motives do not always work and the result achieved due to such motives are highly short-lived.
Enough of the theoretical aspects of motivation: let’s now talk about our actual lives and what motivates an employee to work and grow in a particular organization.
In a book called, ‘My Startup Life’ from Ben Casnocha, the 19-year old CEO of Comcate, Ben shares his side of story on motivation. This is what he says, “It didn’t start with a dream. It didn’t start in a garage. It didn’t even start with an innovative epiphany, which are perhaps entrepreneurs’ most overplayed recollections.” He further adds, “I wish my epiphany were primal. It wasn’t, and most aren’t.”
So, the point here is that not always having success is achieved by having a clear motivation tool in your brain. And sometimes, it is solely a journey that a person follows in pursuing his or her passion for something. You tend to take smaller and bigger steps in following the pursuit of happiness, which is derived from building your passion. Therefore, it’s ok to not have a clear answer for what motivates you, as sometimes the answers are not so straightforward.
Why Motivation is essential in businesses?
Motivation is undoubtedly one of the most vital areas of business, and therefore, we find the surge of many motivational theories in the business parlance. However, the theory of motivation based on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy needs has nailed it.
The basic needs of employees will be inevitably met in businesses by the exchange of services with salary. Even the security needs of the employees will be sufficed in the context of a workplace through physical safety, pension schemes, security of employment, and so forth.
In addition to it, employees will also have self-esteem needs that can be fulfilled by respecting them and appreciating their work. Lastly, and most importantly, employees will have self-fulfillment needs concerning their personal development and individualistic growth.
My Last Few Words
In order to keep your employees motivated in the duration of their employment, it is mandatory for the business owners to create conditions that keep them cheerful and motivated.
The need for motivation is real, and is unbelievably important in businesses. Motivation is no longer just a fancy word but instead a must-do that fetches enormous positive results for business ventures.
Author Bio
This post is written by Evie Dawson . She is an advertising expert who loves to write about entrepreneurship, motivation, internet marketing, social media strategies and how free online business directories can help businesses. You can connect with her on https://twitter.com/ellarichMBC