How to remain passionate at work?

At this very moment I am sitting in a train, and I am on my way to a customer. Tomorrow we will be working on a new product for his firm. I have just finished reading through various documents to prepare myself for tomorrow, and I have already started creating a first concept. Creating concepts always gives me a boost of energy. For a big part this comes from being able to employ one of my core-skills. That gives lots of energy! But there is another element that plays a big part here: I am doing something really meaningful (at least in my personal perception). That perception also really gives a lot of energy. I am trying to serve my customers the best I can. Which enables them to serve their customers better and better. Which contributes to the quality of life for everyone involved.

What is my motivating environment?

We have already taken a look at skills, as one of the 4 elements. This week we will discuss the second element: a motivating environment. Daniel Pink describes it as: a space within which you experience autonomy.’ It also implies that everybody has his very own unique ‘motivating environment’. Some need a lot of space, freedom and variety in their job, and prefer not to be controlled. While others need a clear framework and clear instructions, so that they know exactly what it is that is expected from them and what the task at hand is.

Happy jobcrafting!

In the previous blog I have introduced the concept of jobcrafting, and the four elements that play an important role here:

1. Skills

2. Motivating environment

3. Meaning and inspiration

4. Needs within a specific market