an online book by David Gurteen
Motivation is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or animals initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. It is a complex phenomenon and its precise definition is disputed. It contrasts with amotivation, which is a state of apathy or listlessness. Motivation is studied in fields like psychology, neuroscience, motivation science, and philosophy.
Motivational states are characterized by their direction, intensity, and persistence. The direction of a motivational state is shaped by the goal it aims to achieve. Intensity is the strength of the state and affects whether the state is translated into action and how much effort is employed. Persistence refers to how long an individual is willing to engage in an activity. Motivation is often divided into two phases: in the first phase, the individual establishes a goal, while in the second phase, they attempt to reach this goal.
Many types of motivation are discussed in the academic literature. Intrinsic motivation comes from internal factors like enjoyment and curiosity; it contrasts with extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external factors like obtaining rewards and avoiding punishment. For conscious motivation, the individual is aware of the motive driving the behavior, which is not the case for unconscious motivation. Other types include: rational and irrational motivation; biological and cognitive motivation; short-term and long-term motivation; and egoistic and altruistic motivation.
Theories of motivation are conceptual frameworks that seek to explain motivational phenomena. Content theories aim to describe which internal factors motivate people and which goals they commonly follow. Examples are the hierarchy of needs, the two-factor theory, and the learned needs theory. They contrast with process theories, which discuss the cognitive, emotional, and decision-making processes that underlie human motivation, like expectancy theory, equity theory, goal-setting theory, self-determination theory, and reinforcement theory. Motivation is relevant to many fields. It affects educational success, work performance, athletic success, and economic behavior. It is further pertinent in the fields of personal development, health, and criminal law.
Credit: Wikipedia - motivationMotivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly. Credit: Stephen Covey Posts where this quotation is embedded Changing People ** The challenge of trying to change people Chatbots as Critical Thinking Partners Stimulating critical thinking is one of the most powerful application … Continue reading Motivation Is a Fire From Within Stephen Covey
Alfie Kohn’s book, “Punished by Rewards,” offers a fresh perspective on motivation, challenging the widespread belief that rewards are effective tools for behavior change. Kohn delves into the potential negative consequences of relying on rewards, arguing that they undermine intrinsic motivation and hinder long-term growth. Supported by research and real-life examples, the book prompts readers … Continue reading Punished by Rewards: the Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn (1999)
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. Credit: Plutarch The above quotation is a popular contraction of what Plutarch actually said, here is a translation of the original text in context. The correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that … Continue reading The Mind Is Not a Vessel to Be Filled but a Fire to Be Kindled Plutarch
Gurteen Knowledge Blog June 5, 2021, 09:02If we are to boost engagement and ownership, not buy-in, we must stop trying to do things to each other. So many of the problems we face in our organizations and society revolve around the fact that we are always trying to do things to each other – to change … Continue reading We Must Stop Trying to Do Things to Each Other And encourage engagement and ownership
Knowledge alone is not power. Self-motivation, taking responsibility, and the ability to act on knowledge and to influence and work with people, especially those in authority, is power. Credit: David Gurteen Posts where this quotation is embedded Changing People ** The challenge of trying to change people Chatbots as Critical Thinking Partners Stimulating critical thinking is one … Continue reading Knowledge Alone Is Not Power David Gurteen
Our approach to Knowledge Management is far more than stick or carrot. We say, “Knowledge Sharing is your job. Do it! As a reward, you may keep your job.” Credit: Bob Buckman Posts where this quotation is embedded Changing People ** The challenge of trying to change people Chatbots as Critical Thinking Partners Stimulating critical thinking is … Continue reading Knowledge Sharing Is Your Job. Do It! Bob Buckman
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Credit: John Quincy Adams Posts where this quotation is embedded Changing People ** The challenge of trying to change people Chatbots as Critical Thinking Partners Stimulating critical thinking is one of the most powerful application of chatbots Conversational Chemistry … Continue reading Inspire Others to Dream John Quincy Adams
The Birth of Uber The House of Wisdom Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter In the early 2000s, Google introduced its 20% time policy that let workers spend one day a week on their own projects. This helped employees create new ideas while still doing their main jobs. Though it was hard to manage … Continue reading The Google 20% Free Time Policy Innovation Story: A catalyst for innovation
Strategic Conversations The Role of the Knowledge Café in Open/adaptive Strategy Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Strategic planning is evolving, with new approaches that are more inclusive and adaptable. Traditional, closed strategies limit employee involvement, leading to blind spots and disengagement. Organizations can create more effective strategies through broader participation and continuous adjustment … Continue reading Open, Adaptive Strategy Make employees partners in the strategy process
Zoom Virtual Knowledge Cafés ** Reversing Cause and Effect Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Change is a constant aspect of our lives, gradually shaping our identities. However, we face difficulties when attempting to change others’ behaviors. Direct attempts to control or coerce usually result in resistance and unintended consequences. Embracing a conversational approach … Continue reading Changing People ** The challenge of trying to change people
Leadership Is a Practice Not a Position of Authority Shared Meaning Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter One of the most significant mistakes we often commit when striving to initiate change is trying to enforce things upon others. We identify problems, create visions, manifestos, strategies, and plans to implement so-called solutions (there are no … Continue reading Ownership, Not Buy-in We need to move from buy-in to ownership
When It Comes to Lectures, Appearances Can Be Deceiving ** Learn to Listen and to Tell the Truth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Whether it is our educational systems or the presentations we give at conferences, we focus far too much on filling people’s heads with content. It is not an effective way … Continue reading The Mind Is a Fire to Be Kindled Not a vessel to be filled
Genuine Commitment Engagement ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly. Credit: Stephen Covey Economists and workplace consultants regard it as almost unquestioned dogma that people are motivated by rewards, so … Continue reading Motivation ** Motivation is a fire from within
Knowledge Sharing ** We Know So Much but Understand So Little Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Peter Drucker introduced the term “Knowledge Worker” in his book Landmarks of Tomorrow in 1959. But what is a Knowledge Worker? Here is Peter’s answer: And here is a shorter, pithier one that I like from Tom … Continue reading What Is a Knowledge Worker? A knowledge worker is someone whose job entails having really interesting conversations at work
Engagement ** The Difference Between Responsibility and Accountability Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter It is often suggested that offering rewards is necessary to motivate people, particularly when it comes to sharing their knowledge. However, this strategy is ultimately ineffective and potentially harmful in the long run. In his book Punished by Rewards, Alfie … Continue reading Punished by Rewards Loving what you do is a more powerful motivator than any goody
The Difference Between Responsibility and Accountability Introduction: Motivation and Engagement ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter To encourage engagement and ownership, we must stop trying to do things to each other. People often ask me, “How do you make people share?” or “How do you make people adopt social tools?” or, more generally, … Continue reading We Need to Stop Trying to Do Things to Each Other And start working together
Oracy What Is the Difference Between Rhetoric and Oracy? Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Rhetoric is often construed as insincere or meaningless language that sounds clever. This is an unduly negative perspective. Rhetoric is a critical cognitive and communication skill. Introduction Simply put, the purpose of rhetoric is to influence people through speech … Continue reading Rhetoric To influence people through speech or writing
