Money is a Nice Perk But We Need More to Love the Job
It may be bizarre to believe that people are not motivated by extrinsic rewards i.e. money, on a day-to-day basis in today’s society. This is because working for free is something that honestly not many people can afford to do. The truth is that work brings money and money brings a living.
Well, Daniel H. Pink, the author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, thinks differently. Pink is a big proponent of switching the reward system in place from extrinsic to intrinsic rewards because people are intrinsically motivated. Or in other words, people are ought to be waking up every morning because they find purpose and fulfillment in their job and not because they will get paid.
Pink is not the only researcher making this argument. Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan devised the Self-Determination Theory, which in many aspects mirrors the message that Pink is making in his book. People have needs beyond money and financial security and if these are met by their social and work environment then they would excel in their performance. This would translate into increase productivity and it will propel their personal and professional growth.
What are the needs required for intrinsic motivation to work?
- Autonomy
There are times when people need and want to be told what to do, usually in emergency situations. However, it is in our nature to rebel against control and instead strive for self-direction.
Working in groups is common in interactive media. Often, projects involve working across departments and interacting with different people while supervised by management. Each team member will contribute with their strengths and move the project along a phase chart.
It would be easy for management to micromanage and place excessive control over the project. But according to Pink, people want autonomy over what they do and how they do it. So the key point would be to ensure managers are there to guide and not control. This is like playing golf, the player has to hit the ball once, let the ball fly and perhaps wait by the hole to hit the ball again and score the win. Managers need to allow groups to fly.
- Mastery
Mastery could not be more relevant in the media and tech industries. While many industries are becoming obsolete, others are just moving too quickly. The rise of new trends such as virtual reality and augmented reality are keeping interactive media professionals on their feet.
The ability to gain news skills by keeping up with new advancements should be a strong motivator, according to Pink. As reported by the World Economic Forum, “Managers and leaders need the right knowledge and skills to recognize and anticipate digital trends, understand implications for business and leverage technology to stay abreast. However, only 19% of leaders are viewed as strong in digital leadership and management, a Harvard Business Review study published in 2015 found, so a need exists to develop such skills”. Professionals need to keep polishing their skills not just to stay afloat, but to keep cruising.
- Purpose
Purpose is ultimately your drive. Pink believes that people need a vision, a mission, a direction to follow. Deci and Ryan, took a turn by calling it “Relatedness” in the way that people need to socialize and interact with each other. However, it seems the agreement is in placing the focus away from having your paycheck at the back of your mind.
Digital media is often confined to the entertainment industry; however, it is notorious the applications of technology in the educational and medical sectors. For instance, the Honor app is offering a reliable, professional and comprehensive care system for the elderly by matching caregivers to people in need and to the care they need.
Purposes can vary from person to person and it is important that whatever becomes the driving force, that is transforming the way technology is creating change.
What can interactive media professionals learn from this?
- Strive for self-direction
Your best work will be achieved by setting your own work structure and work process. Be sure to follow your team’s plan, but adjust it to meet your working style.
- Perfect your skills
Be willing to keep up to date with the industry. You will need new skills and you will surely find new applications for your new knowledge as new trends emerge.
- Determine your drive
Make sure that you know how your work is contributing to the greater good. Find an industry area that excites you and set up a goal that will drive you beyond making money.
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They say that some people live to work and others work to live. Either way, work is a substantial part of our lives so finding the best way to motivate us would definitely be a win-win.
How are you motivated?
