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Writer's pictureJim Mercer

SamTastic Weekly Tip: 3/11/19 - Make the Meaning Clear.

Today’s tip: Make the Meaning Clear.

Motivation is an interesting thing. Good SAM teams know that people work hard when the see value in the work, or meaning. Research shows most people who stop trying, or quit, feel unappreciated. Good leaders bring back their spirit by connecting their daily work with a higher goal, or meaning. Knowing that you are doing work that is important, that improves the lives of others, is likely the greatest motivating lever a SAM team can apply.


Mike Rutherford, who has presented at several national SAM conferences, shares lessons on motivation from Frederick Herzberg 1959 book, The Motivation to Work. His motivation- hygiene theory explained that the aspects of work that are most dissatisfying, such as working conditions, salary, benefits, supervision, and policies were not the same aspects of work that people find truly motivating, such as achievement, growth, recognition, challenge, and the meaningfulness of the work itself.


Here’s six characteristics of meaningful work:

1. Purpose: Meaningful work is always connected to a larger purpose that is seen as important, consequential, valuable, and linked to the well-being of others.

2. Autonomy: Work is more meaningful when one has agency, autonomy, and ownership.

3. Challenge: Meaningful work is complex, daunting, but within reach. It occupies one’s entire area of ability. It represents a considerable stretch but is not impossible.

4. Mastery: Meaningful work involves craft mastery, skill development, and peak performance in an area of one’s strength and ability. Recognition: Work is seen as meaningful when it evokes recognition from colleagues and others that are credible and knowledgeable. Community: Work is meaningful when it provides opportunities to work together with likeminded colleagues to create synergy, collaboration, teamwork, and positive interdependence.

5. Recognition: Work is seen as meaningful when it evokes recognition from colleagues and others that are credible and knowledgeable.

6. Community: Work is meaningful when it provides opportunities to work together with like- minded colleagues to create synergy, collaboration, teamwork, and positive interdependence.


The Rutherford Learning Group provides several free publications and videos. Use this link to subscribe: http://www.rutherfordlg.com/contact-us/

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