Daniel Pink's thorough analysis of what motivates us doesn't come up with brand new findings. Most of his facts are well known: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, reward, punishment, and why carrot and stick doesn't work. What makes this book a suggested read is the way Daniel Pink puts all together and the interesting analogies he is using. He talks about Type I and Type X behaviour, sees motivation as operating system in different versions, and focuses on 3 key elements: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Additionally the book contains a toolkit section with hands-on strategies to implement his new model of motivation.
Especially one convincing case study drew my attention: Around 2000 was an important timeframe for two encyclopedia projects, the already established Microsoft Encarta and the newly founded Wikipedia. Encarta was maintained and published by well paid employees, working for the biggest and most influential software company: Microsoft. Wikipedia was a free, web-based, and collaborative project, maintained by volunteers around the world. Imagine, someone asked you at this point in time, which one of the both projects will still exist in 13 years?
Now, 13 years later, Wikipedia has more than 15 million articles and is currently the largest general reference work on the Internet. And Encarta? Microsoft discontinued it 2009 with the following statement: "The category of traditional encyclopedias and reference material has changed. People today seek and consume information in considerably different ways than in years past." Which actually means: Wikipedia killed Encarta.
What made the difference?
It's all about PASSION. Passionate people perform on exceptional levels. They aren't pushed by money and rewards, they are just driven by their interest and passion. Independent from their cultural background, these people are the pillars we rely on in our global organizations. Passionate people turnaround projects, drive innovation, and overcome resistance.
"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" will initiate you to re-think about motivation and transform it into your organization.
Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leadership. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Sunday, September 4, 2011
A two minute management seminar: How to convey unpleasant messages
A while ago I had a short break at a bakery in Munich. I bought a Brezel at the self service counter and took a seat in the bakery’s coffee house. I ordered a Cappuccino and began to eat the Brezel. Suddenly the waitress came back and said: “I’m very sorry, it’s not allowed to eat outside food in the coffee house area. We have a different service tax compared to the self service counter. So I would like to ask you if you can move to the self service area, I will take care your Cappuccino is served there immediately. (pause) Do you accept this?”
Without hesitation I said “No problem”, and moved to the self service area. Two minutes later I got the Cappuccino served and enjoyed my Brezel.
Self service area and coffee house area were in the same bakery and served by the same staff, so what sense did it make to annoy a customer with such a weird move to the self service area? Actually, it didn't matter to me. I accepted her request and appreciated the way the waitress communicated an unpleasant message. She included 3 key points to convey an unpleasant message without annoying the customer:
Politeness
The waitress phrased the message in a polite way: “I’m very sorry...”, “I would like to ask you...”.
Reason
The waitress clearly gave the reason for the message: “We have different service tax...”.
Feedback
The waitress asked for customer feedback: “Do you accept this?”.
If you are with North American or Asian background, this might sound normal for you. Unfortunately such kindly service is of rare occurrence in Germany.
Sometimes a two minutes talk matters more than an 8 hour management seminar. These 3 keys can be used whenever you need to communicate “bad news”, no matter if you talk to your boss, a client, or your spouse.
Without hesitation I said “No problem”, and moved to the self service area. Two minutes later I got the Cappuccino served and enjoyed my Brezel.
Self service area and coffee house area were in the same bakery and served by the same staff, so what sense did it make to annoy a customer with such a weird move to the self service area? Actually, it didn't matter to me. I accepted her request and appreciated the way the waitress communicated an unpleasant message. She included 3 key points to convey an unpleasant message without annoying the customer:
Politeness
The waitress phrased the message in a polite way: “I’m very sorry...”, “I would like to ask you...”.
Reason
The waitress clearly gave the reason for the message: “We have different service tax...”.
Feedback
The waitress asked for customer feedback: “Do you accept this?”.
If you are with North American or Asian background, this might sound normal for you. Unfortunately such kindly service is of rare occurrence in Germany.
Sometimes a two minutes talk matters more than an 8 hour management seminar. These 3 keys can be used whenever you need to communicate “bad news”, no matter if you talk to your boss, a client, or your spouse.
- Be polite
- Explain the reason
- Ask for feedback
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friendly reminder: Unleash your passion!
Richard St. John, author and speaker, makes a long story short and summarized his 8 secrets of success in 3 minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6bbMQXQ180. Following my blog gives you the impression that I definitively agree Richard’s number one secret of success: Passion. Passionate people are that what success is all about. Doing a job you’re not passionate about is working for money, pursuing your passion leads to success; your personal success and the success of the company you’re working for. Find your passion and realize it!
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