What really motivates us?

PURPOSE: The key to high morale and performance - by Patrick V. Valtin, author of "No-Fail Hiring."


I hear too much the following complaint from business owners interviewing young job applicants: " New employees are mainly motivated by money." My first reaction is always: well, if the employer is money-motivated, he/she should expect to attract mostly people who are motivated by money... but most business owners/employers neglect a vital principle of motivation: it is NOT just about money!


Money is an important factor of motivation, for sure. But it will be found that successful companies use other factors of motivation - way superior to money! The most powerful of them is completely ignored by a vast majority of small businesses: purpose and values! Purpose (WHY or the reason why people do what they do) naturally drives people to work harder, to be more dedicated to their tasks - and to their employers. 


Many examples are testimony to this simple fact: people will be more eager to put their best at work when they KNOW they are doing something that contributes not just to the company's profits, but mostly to their customers, to their environment and to everyone around them.


Successful companies like Apple, Ikea, Southwest Airlines, Whole Food market, Stonyfield Farm, etc. all prove on a daily basis that driving employees with valuable, socially responsible core purposes, proves to be the single most powerful leadership tool and natural motivator.


Check this highly inspiring animation by RSAnimate: it will show you that people are naturally purpose-driven and will perform at their best when invited to contribute to worthy purposes. this kills the myth of money motivation for good!


"DRIVE - The Surprising Truth about what Motivates Us" shows with entertaining evidence that purpose brings power, energy and natural drive to everyone. This fantastic animation is worth the 10 minutes you will spend watching!


I hope it serves as a source of inspiration, next time a potential employee pretends he or she is worth more than what you are willing to pay him/her. But make sure you adjust your company's core purpose: is it inspiring to you? How about your customers - would they feel inspired? And ask your current employees - would they feel motivated to come to work for THAT purpose?


Food for thought...
Patrick Valtin