“They work because they have to,” Vicki repeated.
“Let me change a word,” I replied. “They work because they need to.”
“Well, yeah, same thing.”
“Only if we can talk about the need. What is the need that requires people to work?”
“They have to work, I mean, they need to work because they need the money to survive, to pay their mortgage, make their car payment.”
I shook my head from side to side. “It’s a noble attempt, but there is a deeper need. If you only see the benefit of work as a paycheck, as a Manager, you will be led down the wrong path. For a Manager, that path is miserable and unproductive. As a Manager, that path will cause you to create systems that breed unproductive behavior. So let’s try again. What is the need that requires people to work?” -TF
I’d say ‘self actualisation’, the satisfaction you get from accomplishing something: solving, creating, coaching. You often see demotivated people when they feel they don’t add meaning to things. It seems philosophical, but do the test around you …
People need to “belong” to groups. in each of our lives, there are family groups, church groups, nation groups, state groups, and in the end, with the desire to use their skills and knowledge, most people need to belong to a Business group. that’s where the culture of the group, and the relationship of the manager, come into play. Managers need to understand that they have a large influence on the quality of their work groups!
People need to feel that they are apart of something that is bigger than themselves. If work feels like a job, in the sense of needing it to be complete, then a group of unsatisfied workers is what you will get. Leaders need to create an atmosphere to where people can buy in and feel significant. Your job should add to every area in your life. Your job should make you a better all around person; When your job accomplishes this feat then you “need” (in a positive sense of the word)your job.