Cómo motivar a los profesionales de tu empresa en 10 minutos | Alfonso Alcantara | TEDxLeon

How to Motivate Employees in 9 Minutes

Understanding Motivation

• The speaker begins by questioning the definition of motivation, noting that it is often discussed but not clearly defined. They mention that motivation encompasses values, emotions, feelings, and attitudes.

• A humorous exchange illustrates that motivation is subjective; one person claims half their colleagues are motivated, highlighting the contextual nature of motivation.

• Motivation is described as contextual (varies by environment), idiosyncratic (personal history affects it), temporal (changes throughout the day), and specific (driven by particular goals).

Real-Life Examples of Motivation

• An anecdote about a nurse named Martínez emphasizes that external environments can diminish personal motivation despite initial enthusiasm.

• The speaker presents a case study where nurses wearing "Do Not Disturb" vests while administering medication reduced errors significantly by 47%, demonstrating how simple changes can enhance focus and performance.

Changing Environments to Boost Motivation

• The discussion shifts to how changing work environments can lead to increased motivation without relying on positive affirmations or rhetoric.

• Bringing together different teams can improve performance due to fresh dynamics and interactions among team members.

Key Insights on Motivation

• The speaker suggests focusing on smaller, more manageable objectives rather than overwhelming goals. This shift in perspective can enhance motivation levels.

• A profound takeaway is that motivation isn't something one possesses; it's a result of life choices, workplace conditions, relationships, and incentives within organizations.

What Drives People at Work?

• The speaker explores what individuals seek in jobs: stability, dignity, tranquility, happiness, and opportunities for travel—highlighting financial compensation as a significant motivator.

• A brief overview of Maslow's hierarchy of needs indicates that once basic needs are met (food/shelter), people desire attention and recognition from others.

Money vs. Other Motivators

• Two primary motivators identified are money and social attention; both are deemed inexhaustible sources of motivation for individuals.

• While money may increase effort among employees, it does not necessarily enhance intelligence or talent—indicating a complex relationship between financial incentives and performance outcomes.

Workplace Culture Impacting Motivation

• The conversation touches upon workplace culture; an example illustrates how presenteeism affects employee productivity when they feel monitored rather than trusted to perform independently.

Understanding Workplace Engagement and Toxicity

The State of Employee Engagement in the U.S.

• In the U.S., only 32% of employees are engaged at work, while a surprising 51% are not engaged. This highlights a significant issue in workplace commitment and morale.

Defining Toxicity in Relationships

• The term "toxic" is often used to describe individuals or relationships, but it can be misleading. Many people labeled as toxic may simply be struggling with their own issues.

• A speaker questions the presence of toxic individuals in the audience, suggesting that toxicity is more about behavior than inherent personality traits.

Contextual Factors Influencing Behavior

• Everyone has the potential to exhibit toxic behaviors based on their context and motivations; however, labeling someone as toxic can have lasting negative effects.

• Changing an employee's environment (e.g., moving them from a comfortable workspace to a less desirable one) can lead to feelings of toxicity.

Emotional Intelligence and Motivation

• Emotional intelligence involves understanding what you feel and how it affects your actions rather than merely managing emotions. Improving self-esteem is crucial for enhancing emotional well-being.

Keys to Happiness in Professional Settings

• Three essential factors contribute to happiness: absence of fear, opportunities for professional development, and strong personal relationships within the workplace.

Comfort Zones vs. Growth

• The concept of "comfort zone" is redefined; it's not just about being comfortable but also about feeling motivated. People often leave comfort zones due to external pressures or dissatisfaction.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Leaders should focus on creating environments where employees feel comfortable and motivated rather than pushing them out of their comfort zones unnecessarily.

Distinguishing Between Motivation and Mood