Transcript Using Motivational Theory to Maximize Joy in Your

Using Motivational Theory to
Maximize Volunteer Joy
Alison Jones-Nassar, CVA
Virginia State Conference on Volunteerism & Service
September 2014
“I like to think of motivation as
a pair of scissors. Scissors have
two blades. One blade
represents what a person
brings to a situation – their
talents, gifts, and energy. The
other blade is what your
organization brings to a person.
When the two blades come
together, motivation happens.”
– Marlene Wilson
Motivated volunteers are joyful
volunteers and joyful volunteers
are more likely to:
• Perform well
• Get along
• Self-manage
• Stick around
• Evolve as leaders
• Be effective ambassadors
• Donate money
But First….A Pop Quiz!
1. a. I go out of my way to make friends with
new people.
b. I enjoy a good argument.
c. After starting a task, I am not
comfortable until it is completed.
2. a. I work best when there is some
challenge involved.
b. I would rather give orders than take
them.
c. I am sensitive to others – especially
when they are mad.
3. a. I enjoy and seek warm, friendly
relationships.
b. I attempt complete involvement in a
project.
c. I want my ideas to predominate.
4. a. I think about consoling and helping
others.
b. I am verbally fluent.
c. I am restless and innovative.
5. a. I set goals and think about how to attain
them.
b. I think about ways to change people.
c. I think a lot about my feelings and the
feelings of others.
David McClellan & John W. Atkinson conducted research in
the 1950’s to answer questions like:
Why is one person’s favorite job another person’s least
favorite job?
Why do some people like to figure things out while other
people want clear directions?
People do spend time thinking about what motivates
them.
The researchers identified three motivational types:
affiliators, achievers, and influencers.
One type is not better than another, just different.
An individual can have some traits of each type, but
usually one type is dominant…and that’s what influences
motivation.
Affiliators
Achievers
Influencers
Phrases that describe Affiliators:
I seem to be uncomfortable when forced to work alone.
I go out of my way to make friends with new people.
I am always getting involved in group projects.
I am sensitive to others – especially when they are mad.
I try to get personally involved with my superiors.
I am uncomfortable when forced to work alone.
I am concerned with being liked and accepted.
I enjoy and seek warm, friendly relationships.
It concerns me when I am being separated from others.
I think about consoling and helping others.
I think a lot about my feelings and the feelings of others.
Characteristics of Affiliators:
“People” people
Sensitive, nurturing, caring
Interaction is primary
Work is secondary to relationships
Good listeners & caregivers
Good barometers of climate
Phrases that describe Achievers:
When doing a job, I seek feedback.
After starting a task, I am not comfortable until it is completed.
I work better when there is a deadline.
I work best when there is some challenge involved.
I accept responsibility eagerly.
When given responsibility, I set measurable standards of high
performance.
I have a desire to outperform others.
I attempt complete involvement in a project.
I desire unique accomplishments.
I am restless and innovative.
I set goals and think about how to attain them.
Characteristics of Achievers:
Focus on accomplishments & results
Like to set goals & solve problems
Well-organized
Hate wasting time
Like to-do lists
Want to take ownership
Phrases that describe Influencers:
I prefer to work alone and am eager to be my own boss.
I enjoy a good argument.
Status symbols are important to me.
I would rather give orders than take them.
I am eager to be my own boss.
I prefer being my own boss, even when others feel a joint effort is
required.
I am very concerned about my reputation or position.
I want my ideas to predominate.
I have a need and desire to influence others.
I am verbally fluent.
I think about ways to change other people.
Characteristics of Influencers:
Two types: personal & social
Personal: think in win-lose terms
Comfortable with conflict
Can be manipulative & intimidating
Social: think in win-win terms
Not threatened by others’ success
Want everyone to maximize potential
Practical Implications: Affiliators
Interviews: Emphasis on helping & human impact
Placements: Need interaction & relationships
Supervision: Friendliness, importance of relationship
Recognition: Personal thanks, holistic recognition
Meetings: Personal check-in, consensus-building
Communication: Awareness of personal news &
issues
Training: Opportunities for interaction, team-building
Committees: Promoting cause & impact, collecting
feedback, improving relationships
Practical Implications: Achievers
Interviews: Emphasis on project & outcomes
Placements: Clear goals, objectives, & measures,
ownership/independence/challenge
Supervision: Organization, focus on goals &
accountability
Recognition: Goals met, outcomes achieved
Meetings: Respect time, stick to agenda, content,
actions, & decisions
Communication: Short, concise, precise
Training: Content, objectives, applications
Committees: Project management
Practical Implications: Influencers
Interviews: Emphasis on their role/contribution
Placements: Influence over others, decision-making authority,
looking for leadership opportunities
Supervision: Hands-off, eager to accept responsibility,
sensitive to hierarchy
Recognition: Opportunities for high visibility, name
recognition, acclaim
Meetings: Can be controlling, impatient with need for group
consensus
Communication: Can be persuasive & confrontational
Training: What’s my role? Where does my ability & expertise
come in?
Committees: Advocacy, bringing about significant long-term
change
Resource:
Visionary Leadership in Volunteer
Programs: Insight and Inspiration from the
Speeches of Marlene Wilson
2008
“Spending time and energy
trying to ‘motivate’ people is a
waste of effort. The real
question is not ‘how do we
motivate our people?’ If you
have the right people on the
bus, they will be selfmotivated.” – Jim Collins