I’ve heard, several times, that managing people in government agencies is hard because there are no “sticks or carrots” that managers can use to motivate their employees. But every time I hear the “sticks and carrots” metaphor, I think if Eeyore saying {in his depressive, low tone of voice}, “Ok, I’ll write your report, just don’t hit me with the stick anymore.” Or I hear Bugs Bunny say {in his chippy, sarcastic way}, “Eh, Sure, Doc, I’ll go to the meeting, just give me another of them juicy carrots.” The thing is, though, that while I’ve worked with folks who might look a bit like Eeyore or are as sarcastic as Bugs, I don’t think sticks or carrots do much to motivate anyone.
What I’ve learned over the years through various leadership roles (including the most important leadership role I fill, Father) is that people aren’t motivated by either rewards (carrots) or punishments (sticks). What I’ve found to be the biggest motivating factor is a person’s sense of value. That is, people will be motivated by the thing that provides the most meaning in their lives. Studies about “Psychological Empowerment (see this article for an overview) tell us that if people are competent within a role, believe that they are self-determining within the role, find that the role has impact, and feel that the role provides meaning for them, they will perform at a high level. Without any doubt, the most salient of those four beliefs is meaning.
Which brings me to my point, for me, serving the City of Santa Fe provides me with a sense of purpose that no other gig has over the years. I’ve made a lot more money and I’ve filled way bigger roles, but my time at the City made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself that actually mattered. Now that I’m back working for my City, I remember what it meant to me and how hard it was to leave. But I’m back now and am glad to be a part of making Santa Fe as good as it can possibly be. The idea of serving my city does motivate me to bring my proverbial “A” game.
Really, anyone serving the government should understand that he or she is part of something far bigger than their own reflection. Working for the City means serving our community through whatever capacity our role allows. There may not be too many sticks or carrots at management’s disposal, but those of us who work in government serve people and if that’s not motivating enough for people, then government isn’t the place for them.
