Well-being and Satisfaction
This page is part of Product Principles
The greatest waste
“The greatest waste <…> is failure to use the ability of people.” - “Out of the Crisis” by W. Edwards Deming.
What is needed to take advantage of the ability of people is to create systems that:
- Respect people
- Provide joy in work (tell how their work contributes to providing customer value)
- Allow those doing the work to improve the process for doing so (give people authority to make changes, along with the tools, training and support to make the right choices)
- Provide support (training, coaching, job instructions etc.)
- Put people in the position to succeed
- Avoid creating pressures that run counter to doing this
- Support intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation
Unlike extrinsic motivation, fueled by external rewards like money, recognition, or grades, intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s the satisfaction and fulfillment people derive from the activity itself. When you’re intrinsically motivated, you do something not because you have to but because you genuinely enjoy it, find it meaningful, or see it as a way to grow.
Types of intrinsic motivation:
- Autonomy: The Drive for Self-Direction
- Mastery (Competence): The Desire to Improve
- Purpose (Meaning): Finding Meaning in the Work
- Curiosity: The Joy of Exploration
- Interest and Enjoyment: The Fun Factor
- Challenge: The Thrill of Overcoming Obstacles
- Social Connection (Relatedness): Building Meaningful Relationships
- Creativity and Self-Expression: The Need to Create
- Understanding Intrinsic Motivation: The Key to Unlocking Human Potential - John Willis