Dan Ariely outlined what motivates us to work is a sense of purpose. Reflect on what motivates you at work and what gives you a sense of purpose. Why do you do what you do? What do you hope to achieve through your work? In considering how you are motivated, how can you discover not only your own personal fulfillment but that of your followers?
In his TED Talk, Dan Ariely (2013) describes experiments conducted to determine factors that motivated participants and provided them with a sense of purpose. At certain points in the experiments, the amount of money being paid for the work didn’t matter. The example he shared about the cake mix and the IKEA effect was very interesting. It showed that people want to be doing work that is meaningful and that affects other people in positive ways, like actually baking a cake that required more effort (Ariely, 2013). Dan Pink (2009) defined purpose as “the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves” (12:51-12:54). And in an article titled, “Pink’s Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose Framework” it’s explained that people who think they are working toward something bigger are more productive and engaged (Mindtools, n.d.).
In 2013, I returned to college after my 23-year career ended, headed in a totally new direction and career path. Our family-owned and operated business had closed as a result of hurricane damage in our part of Florida and I was a stay-at-home mom for a while afterward. Because of this situation, I was labeled a “displaced homemaker.” As a result of that, and our reduced income level after our business closed, I qualified for financial aid and received grants and scholarships while in college. At Daytona State College (DSC), grants and scholarships covered the entire cost of my tuition, books, and other supplies. I worked hard to remain on the Dean’s and President’s lists and was very involved in campus activities related to my new career path and my faith. DSC inducted me into its Hall of Fame and I was named outstanding student in my program (interactive media) at graduation. Because of my efforts there, I received academic scholarships to attend Stetson University to complete a bachelor’s in digital arts. I was also recognized as outstanding senior in my program at Stetson and received an award for my senior project: Oak Choosing Survival – an interactive museum exhibit that focused on violence against women. The Creative Arts department at Stetson provided the funding for my project. I was only able to accomplish these things because others were willing to give through philanthropic efforts and support a student like me.
I shared all of that history in order to explain why I do what I do — what my purpose is each day as I approach and carry out my work. I now have an opportunity to give back by working with Embry-Riddle’s Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement offices. My efforts, and those of the alumni engagement team, are intertwined with the office of philanthropy — which helps students in financial need accomplish their educational goals. I am also able to interact with Eagle alumni and listen to how they have benefitted from their Embry-Riddle educations.
After I graduated, I was being sought out by a few different employers, but I chose to work in higher education because I’ve experienced its impacts on my own life and benefited from the philanthropy of many people. As an example of what I did not want to do, I was also presented with an opportunity to work in graphic design for a company that produces graphics for car dealerships. But I had zero interest in the job — because I could not align myself with the purpose of selling cars. My purpose better aligns with changing lives, working to build relationships among Eagle alumni and students, and telling their amazing stories. While I do not believe my current role is exactly my purpose, it best aligns with my purpose at this time.
My purpose is to use my talents to help others change their lives for the better. I was able to discover my purpose after spending time in quiet reflection and prayer, and while healing from the past. When I was a business owner, my purpose was to make money. But after I experienced certain traumas, and I was able to stand again, my purpose became, “How do I use my gifts and talents to help others stand again? How do I let them know healing is possible? How can my life be an inspiration to others who might be giving up?” Some ways that I might be able to help followers find their own purpose are: by being authentic with them and encouraging them to be open and honest as well; by helping them discover their strengths and guiding them to use their strengths for things that are important to them; by letting them know that pursuit of their dreams could align them with their purpose.
Cynde Puckett | MSLD 520 | Dr. Braziel | July 2, 2021 | Reflection Blog Assignment
References
Ariely, D. (2013, April 10). What makes us feel good about our work | Dan Ariely [Video]. TED. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aH2Ppjpcho
Mindtools. (n.d.). Pinks autonomy, mastery and purpose framework. Mindtools.com. https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/autonomy-mastery-purpose.htm
Pink, D. (2009, August 25). The puzzle of motivation | Dan Pink [Video]. TED. YouTube. https://youtu.be/rrkrvAUbU9Y
Cynde Puckett-Valenti 