What Motivates Us In The Workplace

I love this video about what motivates and excites people at work.

The Service Comes First

My maternal grandparents who raised me

Last night I slept fitfully as my body finally defeated the fever that’s ravaged me this last week. I was burning up so much that at a point in the night I was delirious – which lead to some interesting revelations to say the least.

This morning I woke up with a quote from my late grandfather echoing in my head:

“The service comes first”

It’s not something he ever said to me (and it certainly wouldn’t have been in English), but clearly my mind borrowed from similar things he did say to distill this message.

Vietnamese people believe that the spirit of our ancestors share this world with us and our most recent ancestors have the ability to gently guide or intervene in times of personal crisis. It’s not scientifically sound, but I do believe my grandfather lives on in my heart and through my memories. In this line of thinking, it’s possible to say that my grandfather returned to deliver his poignant message.

This simple statement has laid to rest a month of anxiety as I’ve been struggling with the fact that not have an income stream as I travel Asia over the next three months. Once I reach London there is no guarantee of a job either. Whilst, I’m going because I’m drawn to the great and ancient metropolis, if I don’t make it there, I may have to come home with my tail between my legs.

So “the service comes first” rings true to me because it’s not about mechanics, products and cold cash. It’s about people doing good by people – the human spirit comes first. Money is not a good motivator. Certainly not when stacked up against happiness or even enlightenment!

Desire to do good for others is a much better motivator. I’ve spent five years working at a community organisation and we in the community sector we know “The Future Belongs To Those Who Are Intrinsically Motivated”.

So, now with my grandfather’s timely reminder, I can summarise three key points:

1. Do something because you because you love it.
2. Inspire others with your passion and you will make friends.
3. Keep doing that thing you love (and be good at it) and money will come.

I should know this because the proof is my family. When we started out in Melbourne we literally had nothing. My parents were both boat people, but from meagre beginnings an abundant and full life was created. As Confucious says,

“It doesn’t matter how slow you go, so long as you don’t stop.”

Quotable You

I have gathered a mix of inspiring quotes as I conclude my time with JOY 94.9, where I’ve worked for 5 years, and prepare to leave Melbourne and set forth into the big, bad world!

Dan Gilbert Synthetic Happiness:

When our ambition is bounded we are lead to work joyfully.

James Bond Casino Royale:

I take a ridiculous pleasure in what I eat and drink.

Louise L Hay You Can Heal Your Life:

We are only dealing with thoughts, and thoughts can be changed.

Rei Ayanami Neon Genesis Evangelion:

Man fears the darkness, and so he scrapes away at the edges of it with fire.

Buddha:

To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.

Napoleon

You can not lead a battle if you think you look silly on a horse.

Anon:

In preparing for death, we learn to live well.

Finally, on the theme of exploring new lands, I want to share a beautifully designed game called Samorost.