I’m very excited to announce that I will be an ongoing, regular guest on Patricia Raskin’s Positive Business Show, starting this Friday. On tomorrow’s program, we will be discussing how companies can leverage intrinsic goals and values in balance with traditional, extrinsic goals and values to engage and inspire today’s modern workforce. The program will air live this Friday at 4:30 p.m., E.D.T., on both syndicated terrestrial radio stations and streaming via the internet (please click on Patricia Raskin’s Positive Business Show for more information). You’re also invited to join in the conversation by calling (888) 345-0790!
Historically, companies have focused almost exclusively on leveraging extrinsic goals and values. Things like money, image, and status are used to motivate employees. Research demonstrates that people that are consumed with the pursuit of extrinsic goals are less happy and as a result, less healthy, creative and adaptive in their work and lives. This is a major contributor to today’s endemic employee disengagement crisis. Three independent research studies indicate approximately 70% of employees are cognitively and emotionally disengaged with their employer.
Extrinsic values reflect powerful aspects of culture. What one culture values above all else, another may simply dismiss. The same is true from generation to generation, even within a single culture. Workers from Gen X and Gen Y are seeking an entirely different experience from their careers compared to members of the Baby Boomer generation. Trying to leverage the homogenous, extrinsic, shared goals of a past generation ring hollow in today’s multi-cultural, multi-generational workforce.
The beautiful thing about moving toward intrinsic goals and values is they are universal to the human experience. Intrinsic goals include personal and professional growth, authentic relationships, and a desire to be of service to others. Research demonstrates people that pursue intrinsic goals are measurably happier than those chasing extrinsic goals. Why does happiness matter in the workplace? Well, it is not so much about people being happy at work as it is people being happy with their work. That’s the key to engagement, the fundamental prerequisite for creative thinking, innovation, and adaptability; the mission critical drivers of value creation in today’s Idea Economy.
I hope you have a chance to join us tomorrow! It should be a fun and lively conversation.
© 2012, Terry Murray.
