Not motivated - I'm my own worst enemy

[susandennis]

I am forever bitching that this company is the worst in terms of how employees are treated. The cheapest, most effective motivator - a simple thank you - is rarely used. Bitch, moan, bitch, moan. You guys have all heard it.

Last week I was consumed by the project from hell. My manager was on vacation and not even here to see me suffer. I sent her an email with the nums - and, seriously, no bitching. I did point out that the office manager was a huge help and I could never have gotten it done in time without her.

This morning she waltzes in with a dozen roses for me - and a dozen for the office manager. In a quick conversation she let me know that she totally gets how much of a bitch the project turned out to be and how grateful she is to me for doing it.

AND, if that wasn't enough. Her boss stops by my desk about mid morning to say much the same thing. (My manager gets double points for sending him.)

So... if my theory is correct (and of course it is) I should be wallowing in the glow of management approval and motivated to do the work of 20 today. Not happening. I got a fair amount done this morning but this afternoon? I'm just screwing around watching the clock. I want to go home, finish my afghan and start my new one.

Sad. But, true. Big L on my forehead.

Comments

Not the way I see it!

[spiritgirl.livejournal.com]

I;m with you.....a little appreciation goes a long way. But that doesn't mean you need to bust your butt 24/7. If you have an important project, I know you'll get it done well...but in the meantime, we all need some downtime. Work hard....play hard!

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

Nooo Not a loser!! I spend most of my afternoons like that. Thought it was normal. I figure, they're lucky I came in at all. LOL.

[angelamermaid.livejournal.com]

Every minute of break time I miss because of "urgent" stuff, I spend checking my personal e-mail at the end of the day.

Roses

[joyofmacs.livejournal.com]

You got roses well I wil have you know that once Mr. Big bought me a donut. Not just any donut, either. It was from a bakery near the exclusive 'hood that he lives in.

[kyrielle]

Ah, but what did you have to do? That's not how motivation works. What they said was, "Hey, I see how much you busted your backside on this one, and it means a lot that you did that."

Which should translate into, besides a warm glow when you see the flowers, next time they ask you to do something really rush or somesuch, a greater sense that they will appreciate it, and increased motivation to do so.

You weren't thanked or rewarded for your regular work, but for extraordinary effort, so that is where the impetus will be - and, honestly, after a push like that, a bit of a sag in energy should be expected!

IMO. :)

[susandennis]

Thanks so much for this! What you are saying makes tons of sense and also makes me feel better - what in the else heck could I ask for!