Purpose

In our continuing discussion of Daniel Pink’s “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” we’re taking up “purpose” as one of three factors in motivation (along with mastery and autonomy).

When I read that “purpose” was a key factor in motivation, I knew that nonprofits had the potential to be the most motivating work environments on the planet. After all, if a nonprofit isn’t about “purpose” (“mission” in “NPO Speak”) then it’s pretty much dead.

I’ve never run into an NPO that wasn’t concerned that a fundraiser, or anyone they hire, for that matter, had an affinity for the purpose of the organization. In fact, one client that runs a children’s program told me a story of an interview that was going great until the president of the NPO asked, “So what do you think about children?” The reply? “Honestly, I just don’t like them. But I can raise money for anything.” Nope. Not for them you can’t.

Do you see the purpose in what you’re doing? Remember the times you didn’t, and you probably have memories of the kind of drudgery you couldn’t wait to run away from.

So your career move this week? If you don’t feel purpose in your nonprofit, then start looking for a new nonprofit. Of course, there could be quite a bit of purpose in the organization, but your role may not seem that purposeful. Examine why. Is it the task itself, the results, how you are doing it, or something else? Finding your purposeful role will go a long way in finding your career success … and that’s motivating.

(Next week … money)

Autonomy

In our continuing discussion of Daniel Pink’s “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” we’re taking up “autonomy” as one of three factors in motivation (along with mastery and purpose).

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard a hiring manager say, “I need a self-starter, someone that we don’t need to supervise.”

Autonomy is a highly valued skill in our current culture. It’s a strong part of our “American ethos.” Think of John Wayne riding the range of the Wild West, free to do what he thinks is right for the good of the world or at least HIS world.

Autonomy is valued by employers today because nobody is left to supervise them. With the gutting of middle management about 10 or 15 years ago, then the recession now, more and more employers need people who require minimal supervision … because there’s nobody around to supervise them!

This is positive, because according to Pink, being on one’s own to do a job is highly motivating. A lot of people enjoy the creativity that comes with working on one’s own … and if you enjoy something, you do it better.

So your career move this week? Look for places where you can do your job, or some aspect of your job, with autonomy. It’s impossible to have complete autonomy, but in nonprofit work, especially fundraising, understaffed environments offer more opportunities for autonomy that anyone can count.

(Next week … purpose)

Mastery

Following along in Daniel Pink’s book “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us,” let’s take a quick look at “mastery.”

The concept of “mastery” is simple. It’s the process of obtaining a skill … to master a certain way of doing something. Think about your own career. If you have something to learn, you tend to stick around. You’re excited to get to work because there’s some great issue to address in a new and novel way.

I meet a lot of people who want to change jobs. Why? They’re bored. They’ve mastered all that they think that job is. It’s time to move on.

So your career move this week? Consider where you are in your own job’s mastery. Is there still more to learn? Have you done all you can do? Do you need more training or education to master your work more completely? Sounds motivating just thinking about it!

(next week: autonomy)

Motivation = ?

Every once in a while I read a book that I need to tell you about. This one is “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink.

If you haven’t already discovered it, I’d suggest that you put it on your “must read” list. The premise is simple, but like all simple things has remarkable implications.

Motivation = mastery + autonomy + purpose

There’s much more to it than that, including quite a bit about how this applies in a work environment and how organizations can take advantage of this concept. Just the “equation” itself can give pause.

In the upcoming weeks we’ll explore each part to see what can motivate you in your career, especially in the nonprofit arena.

So your career move this week? Pick up a copy and read along.

(next week: mastery)