What Truly Motivates Employees? (It's not what you think!)

I've always wondered why simple monetary incentives only seemed to work on the lucky few, but demotivated so many more.

I've actually seen sales contests within organizations completely alienate individuals. These are SALES people! They are SUPPOSED to be driven by cash rewards, yet the whole idea of dialing for dollars in a day to win the cash prize left them hating their jobs, their colleagues and their lives.

Here's a brilliant video that finally reveals the shocking truth. My question is, if they had these studies and professionals worldwide found the same results, why wasn't this information made headline news?

• Why are we still operating on archaic reward principles?

• Why are we STILL not allowing our innovators - our staff - come up with ways of making the company better for our clients and colleagues and put these ideas into action?
• Why are we still holding their noses to methods and principles that do not motivate them and expecting them to produce the same results in a completely different economy?

Enjoy this thought provoking video!

If you weren't doing what you're doing, what would you be doing?

Every time I hear the above question, I can actually feel my brain short circuit.

Thoughts rush in, waving madly, yelling "Pick me! Pick me!"

I envy the people who can answer this question clearly, directly and in detail. To those people I want to say That sounds fantastic! What are you waiting for???

Then I have to step back and check myself.

The running theme of all my dreams involves influencing people to move in positive directions. That sounds fantastic. What am I waiting for???

We all face the same dilemma, whether our dreams are clearly defined or not:

Let go of what we know to pursue a dream or ideal life for ourselves

= free-fall from a suspension bridge and hope for a safe landing on better ground ...

possible, but so are a number of other less happy endings.

"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." - Earl of Beaconsfield

A clearly defined goal that fits our values, personal style and strengths can help us automatically make thousands of tiny decisions minute-by-minute, day-by day that bring our reality closer to our dreams. Some call this the law of attraction. I call it a healthy, fully functioning brain.

After a while, that feared free-fall into the unknown becomes a purposeful and well prepared parachute to a visible paradise.

Ask yourself these 7 questions:

1. What are your Core Values?
2. What is your true preferred Personal Style?
3. What are your strengths you want to use on a daily basis?
4. What skills do you want to acquire to compliment the strengths you prefer to use?
5. What are all the things you would want to do if you weren't doing what you're doing?
6. Working backwards from where you want to be to where you are, what action steps, information and resources are needed to do what you really want to do?
7. What are you willing and able to act on right NOW? If not now, WHEN?

Companies make Mission and Vision statements. Create your own Vision and Mission statements honouring your true Core Values, Style and Strengths. Be the CEO of your life. Create clarity and direction. Work ON your life, rather than IN it.

Most of all, enjoy the ride and make true friends and lasting contributions along the way!

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." - Ralph Waldo Emerson