Motivation

=**Motivation** =

Introduction: This lesson is an overview of motivation theories, designed to open the minds of managers as to how crucial it is to keep their employees motivated in order to make or keep a company growing and strong.

Unit Objectives: The manager will know the true definition of the term “motivation.” The manager will know which motivational theories are myths. The manager will understand that motivation techniques vary by individual or team. The manager will learn the views of key motivational thinkers.

The job of a manager in the workplace is to get things done through employees. To do this the manager should be able to motivate employees. But that's easier said than done! Motivation practice and theory are difficult subjects, touching on several disciplines. In spite of enormous research, basic as well as applied, the subject of motivation is not clearly understood and more often than not //poorly practiced//.

To understand motivation one must understand human nature itself. And there lies the problem! Human nature can be very simple, yet very complex too. An understanding and appreciation of this is a prerequisite to effective employee motivation in the workplace and therefore effective management and leadership. 



**Common Myths about Motivation**
Common Myths About Employee Motivation The topic of motivating employees is extremely important to managers and supervisors. Despite the important of the topic, several myths persist -- especially among new managers and supervisors. Before looking at what management can do to support the motivation of employees, it's important first to clear up these common myths.

Not really -- they have to motivate themselves. You can't motivate people anymore than you can empower them. Employees have to motivate and empower themselves. However, you can set up an environment where they best motivate and empower themselves. The key is knowing how to set up the environment for each of your employees.
 * Myth #1 --** **"I can motivate people"**

Not really. Certain things like money, a nice office and job security can help people from becoming less motivated, but they usually don't help people to become more motivated. A key goal is to understand the motivations of each of your employees.
 * Myth #2 -- "Money is a good motivator"**

Fear is a great motivator -- for a very short time. That's why a lot of yelling from the boss won't seem to "light a spark under employees" for a very long time.
 * Myth #3 -- "Fear is a good motivator"**

Not really. Different people are motivated by different things. I may be greatly motivated by earning time away from my job to spend more time my family. You might be motivated much more by recognition of a job well done. People are not motivated by the same things. Again, a key goal is to understand what motivates each of your employees.
 * Myth #4 -- "I know what motivates me, so I know what motivates my employees"**

Research shows this isn't necessarily true at all. Increased job satisfaction does not necessarily mean increased job performance. If the goals of the organization are not aligned with the goals of employees, then employees aren't effectively working toward the mission of the organization.
 * Myth #5 -- "Increased job satisfaction means increased job performance"**

Nah. Not true. There are some very basic steps you can take that will go a long way toward supporting your employees to motivate themselves toward increased performance in their jobs.
 * Myth #6 -- "I can't comprehend employee motivation -- it's a science"**

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The job of a manager in the workplace is to get things done through employees. To do this the manager should be able to motivate employees. But that's easier said than done! Motivation practice and theory are difficult subjects, touching on several disciplines. In spite of enormous research, basic as well as applied, the subject of motivation is not clearly understood and more often than not //poorly practiced//.

To understand motivation one must understand human nature itself. And there lies the problem! Human nature can be very simple, yet very complex too. An understanding and appreciation of this is a prerequisite to effective employee motivation in the workplace and therefore effective management and leadership.

These websites offer valuable advice and useful ideas for motivating others:

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[|ttp://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/21-proven-motivation-tactics/]