motivation jef training days June 2008

motivation = key to success! why? because a motivated person spends more time, does a better job, stays in the organisation longer, and motivates others.

what you invest in motivating people, you get back in terms of results.

what motivates? youth organisations motivate in a different way that professional adult organisations. -we do not pay people -long-time idealistic goals that might be too fluffy -young people are less ”faithful” to the organisation then, what motivates us?

different people are motivated by different things professional motivations -learning new skills -do a good job -professional network -career opportunities emotional motivations -new friends -great experiences -travelling -bonding across boarders 2-way street

many organisations can provide the professional motivation, JEF is special because of the emotional motivations we provide. the professional motivations only get you so far… to truly succeed you need the combination of both! how? organisational culture!

what is organisational culture? What feelings do we want the people in our organisations to have when they are in it?

what is a good organisational culture? every one is included, and all members feel important where it is okay to disagree and people are appreciated as individuals where people are not afraid to participate, not depending on prior knowledge and skills.

organisational culture… where the balance between the professional aspect and the social aspect is ideal. where you feel a part of something bigger

how to get there? consistent mind frame short distance between leaders and ordinary members. for example, the leading people talks to everyone and are the ones responsible for making sure that no one feels outside the group leaders are not gods; they are people and members just like the rest. good leadership is leading by example. e.g. not afraid to show that they do not know everything, dare to show weaknesses.

consistent mind frame self-irony is a good thing shows confidence, but at the same time creates an atmosphere where everybody can dare to challenge themselves!

examples of measures highlight policy: common experiences creates a feeling of togetherness and belonging common songs: creates an emotional attachment to the organisation challenging activities: broadening horizon and creates and atmosphere where people dare to do things they are not necessarily great at happy follow-up after events: keep the love alive leaders shows appreciation of the members personal contact

it is up to the board/ leadership to… live up to the ideals and, leading by example, spread the mind frame to the rest of the organisation a smiling leader creates good atmosphere and gives smiling members rule

but what motivates them to do that job? create the same togetherness in the leader-team do things together in a social setting get to know each other on a personal level make use of each others strengths

you get good results by having fun, and it is fun to get good results!