The known, but ignored science of motivation

[Miss Critter]

Interesting video of a presentation by career analyst Daniel Pink about the mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Some good info on intrinsic versus extrinsic reward. The data surprised me.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkrvAUbU9Y"]YouTube- Daniel Pink on the surprising science of motivation[/ame]

 

[Teresa]

very interesting stuff. I've read very similar material - but in an education context. Maria Montessori's philosophy of education from early 1900s is based entirely on intrinsic motivation of the child: to learn to love learning, to do it because its fun, to do it because it matters, to strive and achieve your potential (your potential, not your classmates), to have an inner drive and purpose. in other words, the student learns to do his best because of his own inner desire and motivation, not because he wants praise or good grades or other external rewards.

not to say external rewards are not important. they are. but self-satisfaction in your performance (at school and work) is what matters most.

if you see a good montessori classroom in action you will observe children managing their own work plans every day, managing their time, with some decisions to make like which work comes first, second, etc., mastering one level in a particular work and then proceeding to the next level (wow, I finally get to do this planet work I've been waiting so long to do!) with a lesson from the teacher, giving a younger child a lesson on a subject he has previously mastered, etc. that child has autonomy (within structure). and feels a sense of purpose. and at the end of the work period, 3 or so hours later, the child feels glad in his heart that he was able to achieve his work for the day. his performance is not tied to others in the class, though the children do frequently work together. his performance does not gain him anything really - he doesn't get an A for the day or a star on a chart. because his performance belongs to him. the sense of achievement is what makes him happy.

this guy definitely has it right. its nothing new. the business world (and schools) could definitely benefit from more of this kind of thinking. let people own their achievements. sometimes external motivators just get in the way, or teach us to do things for the wrong reasons. sometimes we learn that hard work and dedication are good and rewarding - a feeling we get just by doing the work itself - not by receiving someone's approval.

 

[Miss Critter]

not to say external rewards are not important. they are. but self-satisfaction in your performance (at school and work) is what matters most.

And what will likely keep you out of mid-life crisis mode (regarding career, anyway). Many of those who can afford it leave financially lucrative, but otherwise unrewarding, careers because they want something more from their lives.

By the way, is it too late for me to go to Montessori school?

 

[30ashopper]

Probably explains why startup companies execute so much better than older, larger corporations - the people involved are invested and have a lot of autonomy. Bonuses in big companies are less about motivation and more about keeping people from leaving to work for smaller startups, where the work is more rewarding.

 

[Lynnie]

I'm a huge proponent of Montessori education. Makes for great entrepreneurs and business minded artists.

 

[GoodWitch58]

And what will likely keep you out of mid-life crisis mode (regarding career, anyway). Many of those who can afford it leave financially lucrative, but otherwise unrewarding, careers because they want something more from their lives.

By the way, is it too late for me to go to Montessori school?

It's never too late!

 

[GoodWitch58]

very interesting stuff. I've read very similar material - but in an education context. Maria Montessori's philosophy of education from early 1900s is based entirely on intrinsic motivation of the child: to learn to love learning, to do it because its fun, to do it because it matters, to strive and achieve your potential (your potential, not your classmates), to have an inner drive and purpose. in other words, the student learns to do his best because of his own inner desire and motivation, not because he wants praise or good grades or other external rewards.

not to say external rewards are not important. they are. but self-satisfaction in your performance (at school and work) is what matters most.

if you see a good montessori classroom in action you will observe children managing their own work plans every day, managing their time, with some decisions to make like which work comes first, second, etc., mastering one level in a particular work and then proceeding to the next level (wow, I finally get to do this planet work I've been waiting so long to do!) with a lesson from the teacher, giving a younger child a lesson on a subject he has previously mastered, etc. that child has autonomy (within structure). and feels a sense of purpose. and at the end of the work period, 3 or so hours later, the child feels glad in his heart that he was able to achieve his work for the day. his performance is not tied to others in the class, though the children do frequently work together. his performance does not gain him anything really - he doesn't get an A for the day or a star on a chart. because his performance belongs to him. the sense of achievement is what makes him happy.

this guy definitely has it right. its nothing new. the business world (and schools) could definitely benefit from this kind of thinking.

Oh Tootsie, I completely agree...my son went to a pre-school and elementary school that was modeled on the Montessori and Summerhill experience.

It was wonderful; the students stayed together from preschool until they graduated 5th grade, and many of them remain friends . And, today, all these years later, I can still pick these students (now in their early 30s) out of a crowd! They were allowed to learn their way, in an atmosphere that supported their intrinsic abilities--thank goodness my son and many of the others have been able to continue to grow even in some tough situations. I am certain it is this background that has allowed them to overcome other stifling environments. Oh, how I wish education everywhere would use the Montessori method! IMO our world ( and especially our schools and work places )would be more creative and more fulfilling and we would all be more content. South Walton is fortunate to have the school here. I just wish more students could attend.