Category: Motivation
Why people do things, and why incentives so often disappoint. Self-determination, autonomy, purpose, recognition and the motivation that survives after the initiative ends.
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Procrastination: A Simple Summary and Hints for Change
Procrastination is when we engage in irrational delays to action, and that delay has a meaningful consequence. It is something that many people do. Luckily, it’s also a habit that it is possible to change. Procrastination Procrastination, or putting off actions we know we should do, is something we can all relate […]
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Reversal Theory: How To Understand Our Motivations And Emotions
Reversal Theory is a psychological framework that focuses on the relationship between motivation and emotion, and which focuses on the dynamic aspects of our personalities. A core message of Reversal Theory is that it is possible for individuals to reverse the ways they are feeling and their approach to situations by re-framing. […]
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E061: Motivation: Reversal Theory
From the archive This episode is from The World of Work Podcast, made by James Carrier and Jane Stewart at the World of Work Project — a previous venture of ours. All 187 episodes, recorded between 2019 and 2024, are kept here because the conversations still hold up. You can find Jane on LinkedIn, and…
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The Pygmalion and Golem Effects: Expectation And Performance
The Pygmalion and Golem effects are two psychological phenomenon. They say that a leader’s expectation of an individual’s performance affects that individuals performance. If leaders have high expectations, people raise their performances to meet those expectations (Pygmalion). If leaders have low expectations, people lower their performances to meet those expectations (Golem). The […]
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Reinforcement Theory In The World Of Work
Reinforcement theory says that the outcomes we experience as a result of our actions and behaviors affect how we behave in the future. When actions result in positive outcomes, we do more of them. When they result in negative outcomes, we do less of them. Reinforcement Theory Reinforcement theory says that the […]
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Nudge Theory in the World of Work
Nudging is the process of influencing behaviors through minor changes to information or decision structures. It’s possible to use nudge theory in the world of work to achieve a wide range of goals. Nudge Theory in the World of Work Nudging obviously has a role to play in the wider world, but […]
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Classical Conditioning: A Basic Introduction
Classical conditioning is a means of changing a being’s behaviors through the use of rewards and punishments relating to specific biological stimulus. Pavlov’s dogs are a classic example of classical conditioning. Classical Conditioning Classical conditioning is a form of operant conditioning. It’s also know as Pavlovian conditioning (after Ivan Pavlov and his […]
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Automaticity: When People Do Things Automatically
Automaticity is the process by which our brains and bodies help us do things almost automatically and subconsciously. By automating in this way, we retain spare mental capacity for higher level tasks. Automaticity Automaticity is the ability to do things without really focusing on them. When humans have developed habits or become […]
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Blumberg Model of Performance: A Simple Introduction
The Blumberg model of performance says that an individual’s performance is a function of their capacity (ability), their willingness and the opportunities that they have to perform. Though this model relates specifically to performance, it can also be applied to other behaviors. Blumberg Model of Performance The Blumberg model of performance dates […]
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Zig Ziglar’s Seven Steps of Goal Setting: Create Better Goals
Zig Ziglar, an American motivational speaker, pulled together a list of seven steps associated with goal setting (or goal achievement). They are: Identification, Benefits, Obstacles, Skills, People, Plan and Timelines. Zig Ziglar’s Seven Steps of Goal Setting Some people want to understand the theory behind topics such as goal setting. Other simply […]
