Motivating Staff Performance

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Motivating Staff Performance

• Manny Contomanolis, PhD
• emcoce_at_rit.edu
• GACE Annual Conference
• June, 2008

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Motivating Performance

• How do we define motivation?
• What key principles do we need to understand in
  motivating others?
• What specific strategies help motivate others?

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Case Study Exercise
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Motivation is NOT

• RA, RA, SHISH, BOOM, BA!!!!!!!!
• Inspirational slogans, posters, and coffee cups
• A one-size-fits-all strategy

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Defining Motivation

• Motivation is the process of mobilizing and
  sustaining individual behaviors in support of
  organizational goals.

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Theoretical Principles

• I do it because it meets my needs
• Mazlow hierarchy of needs - physiological,
  safety, social and love, esteem,
  self-actualization
• I do it because I have a particular need
• McClelland achievement, power, affiliation are
  the primary motivating needs

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Theoretical Principles continued

• I do it its my job
• Herzberg there are two sets of job factors one
  set motivates, the other is either neutral or
  causes dissatisfaction
• I do it because its the goal
• Locke and Latham behavior is driven by goals and
  values. Goals should be specific, hard but
  realistic, set and accepted by the individual,
  linked to performance and rewards,
  learning-oriented.

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Theoretical Principlescontinued

• I do it because its in my best interest to do
  so
• Skinner behavior is determined by its
  consequences positive reinforcement, avoidance,
  extinction, punishment
• I do it to get what I value
• Expectancy theory deliberate choice to engage in
  activities in order to achieve worthwhile and
  desirable outcomes

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Theoretical Principlescontinued

• I do what everybody else does
• Social learning theory people learn motivated
  behaviors by observing and imitating others
  people seek approval
• I do it because its interesting
• Self-determination or intrinsic motivation
  theory people are motivated to do interesting
  work especially when they have a choice in
  initiating and regulating their actions

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So What DO People Want?

• A sense of purpose
• A sense of pride and respect
• Recognition and appreciation
• Support and encouragement
• Camaraderie

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What does this mean for you?

• Motivation is an individual phenomenon
• You need to be flexible and situational in
  motivating others
• Equal does NOT mean Fair
• Dont treat people the way YOU want to be treated
  treat them the way THEY want to be treated.
• Work to create a motivating environment

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Your role in developing a motivating environment

• Create a compelling vision - focus on
  possibilities not problems
• Help others feel fully engaged dont just ask
  for feedback use it!
• Foster a learning environment
• Be goal-oriented but flexible about how to get
  there

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Your role in developing a motivating environment

• Support people when they make a mistake
• Demonstrate integrity between your words and
  actions

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Strategies for encouraging motivation

• Recognition
• Mentor, guide, and coach
• Praise
• Reward
• Recognition programs staff input increases
  effectiveness. Evaluate carefully programs
  often have a very limited shelf life

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Strategies for encouraging motivation

• Job enrichment/Job Sculpting
• New learning
• Control over scheduling
• Unique experiences
• Client relationships
• Control over resources
• Direct communication
• Personal accountability
• Direct feedback

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Strategies for encouraging motivation

• Self-managed projects or work teams
• Formally recognized group responsible for an
  entire work process and outcomes
• Members empowered to share leadership and
  management functions
• Members set their own goals and inspect their
  work
• Members set their own schedules and review group
  performance

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Strategies for encouraging motivation

• Self-managed work teams (cont)
• Members prepare their own budgets and coordinate
  work with others
• Members responsible for obtaining any additional
  training they might need
• Members find their own replacements
• Members assume responsibility for the quality of
  their efforts

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Strategies for encouraging motivation

• Financial Incentives
• Compensation
• Bonuses
• In the higher education world often the most
  difficult to implement.

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Motivation Efforts Summary

• Determine what levels and kinds of performance
  are needed to achieve your organizational goals
• Train, encourage, and support people
• Understand and respond to individual differences
  and needs
• Use positive reinforcement

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Brainstorming ExerciseWhats Worked for You?