Marty wrote:
> I'd like to propose a heretical notion: that there is no such thing as
>external motivation!!
>
> Everything we do is (in the long run) consistent with our beliefs.
I agree that extrinsic motivation is really just and extension of what
people believe. IMHO, not many people reflect very long on what they
"really" believe in, such as values, sense of purpose, etc... And our
media perpetuates the problem by focusing solely on materialistic rewards.
Since most folks don't choose their profession but have it chosen for them
and are therefore miserable, of course extrinsic rewards are all they are
in it for - what else is there if the work doesn't matter?
Just look at some folks who take promotions for the status and prestige
but don't understand what is going to be asked of them in terms of
behavior, and yet will tell you they have no choice but to stick it out to
retirement. How sad.
I see parents trying to "help" their children by telling them what kind of
work to do or not do in their lives. More often than not, parents get in
the way rather than facilitate good career and college major choice, if
the kid is so inclined. I have a couple of kids of my own - and I know
the best career guidance I will be able to give is to remember this when
they start doing things I wouldn't necessarily do!
Thanks Morty Lefkoe for a thoughtful post.
--Bill Hendry at bhendry@earthlink.net phone (813) 276-2727 work
"Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision." Howard Roark in The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>