What motivates you?

[flexagon]

Just had a talk with Dan the Cat about what motivates him, workwise -- something I've been interested in for a long time, since he's always seemed to enjoy having a large influence on the small company we used to be (and not always in a very pleasant way; for example, seeming to relish the idea that it could sink the company if he messed up badly enough). He said today that a lot of it is about control to him: being able to make changes if need be, and yes, being important to the company.

I think I care more about being important to the end user. It takes a lot for me to have a feeling about corporate entities. It's VERY hard for me to imagine, for example, finding motivation based on the company earning a lot from my product, the way Dan was talking about. But I can be motivated by the thought of causing the user annoyance or frustration if I don't make a feature easy to use.

I think I'm motivated by my paycheck, the knowledge that someone is using the things I write, by learning new things, and by seeing the things I do take effect (yay, programming). Like anyone, I'm always to some extent in search of approval from those around me, and can be motivated by praise or disapproval. Power, not so much....

What motivates you?

Comments

[miyyu.livejournal.com]

You seem to be focusing on answering that question in terms of work, so I will do so also.

1. My paycheck does, but not in an active, day-to-day sense. More like a work ethic, general sense, as in "I am employed here, so I need to not slack off."

2. When a kid finally gets it and the lightbulb goes on. That is so much fun.

3. When a kid comes up with a really creative solution or idea, especially one that makes me laugh.

4. When the kids act in a kindly, thoughtful manner towards anyone. That means they were listening when I talked about how we treat each other.

5. When a kid comes up to me and says "I loved this book!"

6. When I get a sincere hug, a thank you, and/or a picture, card, piece of candy, etc. from a child.

7. When there is the hum of active chaos in the classroom.

[miyyu.livejournal.com]

Oops, forgot one.

8. The praise or recognition of a colleague I respect, especially when I didn't expect to be noticed for what I was doing, or I was really hoping someone would but didn't want to show it.

[hiddenbear.livejournal.com]

Hmm, that is a tough one. Definitely something I have been thinking a lot about, but I still have no clear answers.

1. Challenges. My brain has two modes - 110% and 10%. As much as being at 10% is nice and relaxing, I need some 110% thrown in.

2. Value add. I enjoy the fact that what I do helps companies save money, work more efficiently, etc.

3. Praise/need. I enjoy the fact that people appreciate my work. I also enjoy the fact that I am needed. I like when people think I am the only one who knows something, or can do something (even if I'm not).

4. Fun. Being in an environment where people are happy and enjoy themselves motivates me. In my current environment, people aren't happy about our company, but we are still happy.

5. Paycheck. $$ buys nice things - like vacations, good food, security, peace of mind. More $$ buys more of it - to a point.

[bluechromis.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's pretty much my list exactly. Gosh, you are SO smart, and SUCH a good person. :)