Motivated Managers

I have always been motivated to perform. It's the sense of achievement that comes from a successful implementation that makes us strive to do it all over again next time. The buzz that comes from being able to update our CVs (resumes) with our accomplishments fuels us for the challenges that follow. Often, little more is needed to motivate a manager than to give him/her a challenging assignment, provide the resources necessary, and watch him/her get on with it.

Yesterday was R's last day at work, and over a swift farewell pint at our local pub, someone asked him what were his best and worst memories of the last seven years. His best memory was the time he worked on the launch of a new online business. It was a time of intense pressure, but also tremendous progress. Everybody worked together, putting in very long hours, but they did so willingly. All IT professionals I have ever met, including the managers are especially motivated to do whatever is necessary simply by being made to feel worthwhile, that they are adding value to the company.

Provided that effort is recognised.

If the company does not recognise or reward the accomplishments of it's staff in at least some small way, all the best people will bleed their way out of the organisation, and the intellectual capital and teamwork will dry up and vanish.

Executives of the world, hear this - give your staff a challenge, tell them how they can make a real contribution, and then recognise and reward their achievements. You will reap more than you sow.