The Observer, February 24, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 18
Just in CASE...
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..You just need a little motivation
Wes Schaub - Director of Greek Life
As I was finishing up two workshops on motivation, I realized that some of the common problems groups of people face are motivation and its counterpart: apathy. Whatever you want to call it, they are a major concern of every leader.
Motivation is directly related to a group's dynamics, which is a major part of that group's undercurrent. What does this mean? Groups have pre-scribed or pre determined ways in which members are to behave. They aren't rules or written down and they aren't usually addressed publicly within the organization. They are norms and they are very powerful.
As new members join the organization, they are taught these norms not through a training or education program, but through the behaviors of those around them. That's what makes it an undercurrent. It's always there, but not something people pay attention to. So this undercurrent will direct how your group functions. Norms can both develop and break the progress of the organization by affecting communication and interaction between members, sharing of information, decision making and overall motivation of a group.
Remember: motivation is an individual choice. Much like attitude, you have control over your own motivation. Many times, we want to give up that control to others but we really can't. It is a leader's responsibility to create an environment that grounds the individual, but ultimately the choice to be motivated comes from within.
So if the decision to be motivated is up to each member, what are you to do as the leader? Motivation is connected to the group's undercurrent so pay attention to the undercurrent – what are the group's norms? How do people treat each other? What is important to the group? What is acceptable? What is not acceptable? What behavior is celebrated? When is someone confronted?
All these things relate to the group's norms. By looking honestly at the behaviors of the group, identifying norms that block and work to change them, you should be able to work toward members who are motivated and want to be more involved in your organization. There are many resources available to help you. Take advantage of professional staff who can help find your group's undercurrent.
...You will graduate this coming May
Amy Sindelar - Assistant Director, Case Career Center
Ask Amy: I am graduating in May, and I am anxious about transitioning from school to work. Any tips for a smooth transition or tips about how to successfully launch my career?
Dear Concerned Student in Transition: I understand your anxious feelings! You are in a transition stage; you will not be a college student anymore. It takes time to understand and earn the rights, responsibilities, and credibility of a full-fledged professional. Many students assume you just graduate and go to work; reality is far from that perception.
Much of your early career opportunity and success will be charted by the impressions you make on the people you work with and their perceptions they develop of you in the early weeks and months on the job. The following are successful tips for handling your first job:
1. Know company and role. Be ready to give a 30-second overview of what the company does. Understand your role in contributing to the company.
2. Be punctual. Always be on time. Be the first to arrive and/or the last to leave. Be careful not to get in the habit of doing both. You need to maintain work-life balance.
3. Know expectations. Be sure to understand assignments and deadlines. If you feel overwhelmed with work, set priorities with your supervisor.
4. Remember names and acquaint yourself with co-workers. Write down names until you remember them. Be the first to say "hello" to others.
5. Maintain open lines of communication. Feel free to ask questions, ask for feedback, discuss problems, etc. Learn the system used within the organization- telephone, memos, emails, etc. If there are memos, who gets copies? Always return calls within 24 hours.
6. Get the job done…and done on time. If that means some overtime, do it. Establish a reputation as a hard worker. Make good on your promises. If you are not sure you can deliver, don't promise.
7. Understand politics. Avoid the trap of becoming totally immersed in your job and not being aware of what is going on around you. Let the right people know the good job you are doing. Develop a reputation for honesty and integrity.
8. Solicit feedback. Try to arrange occasional informal chats with your supervisor. Express your willingness to improve.
For more information, visit http://studentaffairs.case.edu/careers/ and register for the future Career Center sponsored event:
Your First Year on the Job: From Job Description to Performance Evaluation
Setting performance goals and identifying and understanding your priorities are crucial to performing at a high level. Learn how to be successful in your first year on the job.
Thurs, March 2, 4:30 - 6 p.m, Thwing Student Center -- 1914 Lounge
DearReaders: Many of us have career-related questions we are afraid or uncomfortable to ask. Ask Amy is an opportunity to get your answers addressed. Every email I receive will remain confidential and will be reviewed carefully. However, I will select one question to discuss in The Observer. If you have a comment or would like to email a question for next week's Observer, please send it to amy.sindelar@case.edu. In the subject line, put "Ask Amy."
