Are You Using the 4 Digital Age Motivators?

By Jeff Fierstein

Let’s talk about bringing your motivation game into the 21st century.

Gone are the days when a simple carrot-and-stick approach was enough to keep your team fired up. Today’s workforce, especially those tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z-errs, are looking for something more.

The Evolution of Motivation

Back in the 1950s, Frederick Herzberg shook things up with his two-factor theory. He pointed out that there are two types of factors at play in the workplace:

Hygiene factors: These are the basics that keep people from getting demotivated (think salary, benefits, and decent working conditions).

Motivators: The real game-changers that make people want to give their all.

Fast forward to 2009, and Daniel Pink drops his book “Drive,” which really hits the nail on the head for our Digital Age. He talks about three key motivators for tackling complex, creative tasks (which are becoming the norm for most jobs):

• Autonomy
• Mastery
• Purpose

The New Age of Motivation

So, what does this mean for you and your team? Well, it’s time to level up your motivation strategy. Here are four intrinsic motivators that’ll help you crush it in the Digital era:

1. Purpose: People want to feel like their work matters. Give them a reason to get out of bed in the morning (besides that paycheck).
2. Personal Development: We’re all on a journey of self-improvement. Help your team members level up their skills and grow as individuals.
3. Career Development: Show your people there’s a path forward. Offer opportunities to learn new skills and land in a career that matters to them.
4. Values: Your team wants to know what you stand for. Make sure your company’s values align with theirs.

Putting It All Together

Remember, these motivators need to align with your organization’s culture. As a leader, it’s your job to create a culture where these motivators can thrive.

And don’t forget about those hygiene factors! While they might not be the star of the show, they’re still crucial for keeping your team satisfied.

By embracing these modern motivators, you’ll be well on your way to creating a workplace that’s ready for whatever the Digital Age throws at us next. Keep your team engaged, growing, and purposeful, and you’ll be amazed at what they can achieve!

For more on leadership and motivation, visit www.leadershipwhackamole.com and download our complimentary book chapter, Sustaining Leader Motivation.