Creatively Managing People, Creative Essay Example

A results only work environment (ROWE) is a method of working which encourages greater productivity and results. Trust is established and workers are evaluated on their performance rather than their hours. ROWE was founded by Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson, who recognized the inefficiency of the corporate environment. Time and money were being wasted because employees were paid for their physical presence, regardless of the quality of the work. ROWE was implemented in prominent companies such as Best Buy and The Gap, Inc. This program can be successful in certain departments, such as information technology and merchandizing; ROWE would not be effective in the retail department because a person needs to be present to interact with customers in helping them with their purchases.

The traditional corporate approach to motivating people is centered on a rewards system. According to Pink (2009), this method is only successful for algorithmic tasks and not heuristic tasks, which require creativity and innovation. When individuals are motivated by intrinsic factors as opposed to external rewards, they are more likely to give their best work. People are motivated to a greater extent by intrinsic rewards, such a personal satisfaction and having the freedom to be creative. The new motivation, or Motivation 3.0, recognizes that individuals have a desire to make improvements by contributing their hard work and talents as opposed to just wasting time. On a personal note, I agree with Pink. I have felt more enthusiastic about work when a supervisor or manager takes the time to personally acknowledge their appreciation for me rather than give me a material reward.

Social intelligence is the ability to interact well with others. People who are socially intelligent are able to relate to others and inspire the best performance. Managers and leaders can use social intelligence to better motivate their workers, by expressing empathy and taking a personal interest. By making themselves approachable, employers can better motivate workers. The core of social intelligence is to bring out the best in others by understanding and appreciating them as individuals.

Work Cited

Conlin, Michelle. “Gap to Employees: Work Wherever, Whenever You Want.” Bloomberg Businessweek. (2013): n. page. Web. 26 Oct. 2013. <http://www.businessweek.com/careers/managementiq/archives/2009/09/gap_to_employee.html>.

Goleman, Daniel, and Richard Boyatzis. “Social Intelligence and the Biology of Leadership.” Harvard Business Review. (2008): n. page. Web. 26 Oct. 2013.

Pink, Daniel H. Drive, the Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us. New York: RIVERHEAD BOOKS, 2009. eBook.

“What is ROWE?.” . Culture RX, n.d. Web. 26 Oct 2013. <http://www.gorowe.com/main/what-is-rowe/>.