There is a great article over on the Chief Happiness Officer blog, written by Alexander Kjerulf. The article is called “Why “Motivation by Pizza†Doesn’t Work.”
It is a great read, but it got me thinking what is it that makes you do great work? I know it isn’t pizza, because my choosen audience gets enough free food while at work that they can’t be motivated by somehting as mundane as pizza. So what is it that makes you do great work? I’m betting that there are plenty of readers (OK, a majority of readers since it is hard to have plenty with just three total) who have done great work for some bosses and just OK work for others. What was the difference? Tell us what it was that made one boss better than others.
Thought I’d let you know you’ve upped your readership by one (so, at least 4 – yeah!!) I discovered you via JibberJobber.
Been silent so far, ’cause I’ve been busy getting my own Blog going and working on a Web site, among other things.
What makes me do great work? No, it isn’t pizza. I do love it, but think it’s more of a distraction.
I have to have:
1. a sense of personal involvement
2. some recognition for my efforts – more than monetary. I like a pat on the back, gettung credit for an idea, my name up in lights etc.
3. connection/common sense of purpose – feeling like the boss or client is on the same wave length.
I really “cook” when the work is forcing me to learn something, when I’m working with a great bunch of people, and when I can see how my work will make a significant difference.
‘Course, the truth is I can’t really cook. But I often “cook” at work.
Francie, welcome and thanks for reading. I agree with you. I guess I do my best work for me. If I have a ‘boss’ that can figure that out and lead me that way, then he gets great work. Otherwise, I just prefer to work for myself.
Hey Kent! I know what you mean. I think learning is a key to inspriation. I wish I felt that way during my school days. 😉