What I think about TED "The puzzle of motivation"

I would like to write about a talk of TED "The puzzle of motivation" by Daniel H. Pink.

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation

I have studied about “motivation” in the past. I studied “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.” Maslow was an American psychologist (1908 to 1970). In 1943, Abraham Maslow stated his theory as "A Theory of Human Motivation." In my past, his way of thinking was useful for seeing my motivation objectively. Back then, when changing my surrounding environment, I would remember his theory in order to review my milestone. I would ask myself about what I wanted and needed to do. At the same time, by using his theory, I would watch my status and place in the moment in a calm way.

According to Maslow’s way of thinking, people are motivated to achieve several specific goals. They are defined in “Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs” in the form of a pyramid.

http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/conation/maslow.html

At first, this hierarchy of needs was divided into 5 stages which were as follows:

1. Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.

2. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, limits, stability, freedom

from fear.

3. Social Needs - belongingness, affection and love, - from work group, family, friends,

romantic relationships.

4. Esteem needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others.

5. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

Later, in 1970, the five-stage model was expanded to an eight-stage model. Which is as follows:

1. Biological and Physiological needs

2. Safety needs

3. Social Needs

4. Esteem needs

(steps 1 through 4 are the same as the ones in the five-stage model.)

5. Cognitive needs - knowledge, meaning, etc.

6. Aesthetic needs - appreciation and search for beauty, balance, form, etc.

7. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

8. Transcendence needs - helping others to achieve self-actualization.

Recently, I have found the relation between Daniel Pink’s speech and Maslow’s Hierarchy. I think maybe, under developing social circumstances, people discover their motivation in Maslow’s stages 1 and 2. Therefore, these stages were the 20th century rewards, extrinsic motivators, or carrots and sticks. But nowadays, in the globalized society and economy, people have to expand their views and explore their activities to resolve candle problems. I think what people need to use in order to expand their views and explore their activities is not “knowledge” but “wisdom”. In the current circumstances of the 21st century, people solve the mystifying candle problems through their intrinsic

drive. This drive involves Maslow’s stages 3 through 8. To put it simply, the 20th century motivators are equivalent to Maslow’s stages 1 and 2 and the 21st century motivators are Maslow’s stages 3 through 8.

However, when considering the management of a company, business managers are required to have more courage and strong leadership skills. Because they must keep on paying people adequately, fairly, and absolutely even though the global environment is complicated, diverse, and chaotic. On the other hand, workers also require more self-management and creative ability. In reality, we have limitations with money and time and we have to work on creative things. In a way, it is a little harder for us to work than it was in the 20th century. In order to strengthen our business, solve a lot of those candle problems, and change the world, first we have to change our concept of value and keep our higher stage motivations. What can we supply by autonomy, mastery, and purpose in Daniel Pink’s speech? According to Maslow’s way of thinking, I would guess that it is “Transcendent needs.” In other words, I guess that it might ultimately be the motivation for social contribution. The final goal of intrinsic motivation would be social contribution.

To conclude, I think the changing of our motivation has come from the result of the changing of our society. Specifically, it is the changing of our supply and demand. Conversely, we can say that the products and services for social contribution would increase, leading to sales and profits for the company. Business managers and workers need to keep this in mind.

While looking at my children’s smiles, I sometimes think about what I can do for them and what can be a goal for us. I think that this type of thinking process is also one of the transcendent needs and intrinsic motivators. When we work on this kind of theme, needless to say, obviously, we must work creatively, passionately, and effectively. Because at that time, we can play the role of a hero like in American movies. They can risk their lives and do a really good job for love and others, not for money. If we can find this sort of motivator, we will be able to grow stronger, do a better job, and live life more fully.