3 things we need as stated in the video…
Interesting work
Expand skill set
Recognize me!!!
I’m in complete agreement with the video. The video stated you need to be interested in your work. For myself, I need to be interested in my work. To be honest, I am for all intensive purposes... I do really love what I do. I’m currently the satisfactory academic progress counselor in the financial aid office at CCD (urban denver community college). I process the appeals submitted by our students after they have been suspended to receive financial aid due to poor performance. These students are appealing to have their financial aid reinstated. The majority of appeals I read are stories of personal tragedy and hardship, these students want to get an education but have been faced with serious challenges. The majority of students really are invested in their education and want to complete their degree and move on to a four year institution. Because I make the decision if they are eligible for financial aid or not, my job has a great impact on our students. Because of this, I love my job! I have many students in my office who are ineligible for financial aid and we have a “heart to heart” talk so to speak... I love working with these students!!! It’s helping them think through their options and helping them succeed. It is their success that motivates me!
I have a student that is in my office all the time. I won’t use his name, but this particular student has had issues with satisfactory academic progress. He is currently on probation and knows that he must have C’s or better in all his classes this semester or he will lose his financial aid. He calls or checks in multiple times per week with me (sometimes more often). From what he has told me of his personal story, he has not had an easy life. He often gets very worried about his assignments and grades and comes to me when he is concerned. I really try to take the time to meet with him. He is worried and needs reassurance that if he puts his best effort into his assignments he will pass. I also offer ideas to him to help him complete his assignments. Other advisor's in my office see him as a nuisance, and I will admit his timing is terrible and I have not always made myself available to see him... (This is a side note... But in writing this if I’m not available to see him, I’m not doing a good job. I need to make the effort to see him all the time!!! Not matter how bad the timing or how many times he’s been in my office in a week). As I check his grades and see him pass classes that he has previously failed, I get motivation from him. He has found a way to succeed! This is what motivates me and make my job interesting.
This job keeps me interested as the video states that a job needs to motivate an individual, however, it does not fulfill expanding my skill set and recognizing me as an employee....
This week we had our annual reviews, a stressful time for most employees. I was told by supervisor that I did an amazing job with the position I took over in November. She stated I had innovated and enhanced processing times from the previous employee. However, because it was mandated from executive staff of the college that an individual in a position less than a year could only receive “meets expectations” on their review.... Because of this, I received meets expectations on my review even though she thought my efforts deserved more.... For myself, it was discouraging to receive a “meets expectations” review when I told I had done better.. I truly believe employees need to be recognized to have the internal motivation to be creative and successful in their jobs.
The video also stated that employees need to be able to expand their skill set to feel rewarded in their position. As individuals we need to learn and grow in our positions. The opportunity for professional development should be incorporated into all organizations, unfortunately, my current organization does not have a strong professional development program. They make an effort to send individuals to conferences when it is in the budget, but does not have an internal program. I believe that an internal program would give the opportunity for all employees to gain professional development without having to travel. Often times it is impossible for an employee to travel due to expense and family commitments.
For myself, in addition to these 3 things I need freedom to manage my time as I see fit. We don’t have the opportunity to change our regular hours, but I have the freedom to schedule my day as needed. My supervisor is very relaxed and is not a micro-manager. I do not think I could be successful in an environment with a micro-manger.
Technology is very key to my position. Computers and internet access are key for my position. Additionally, a conscientious IT department to quickly solve problems that arise. Our school has the technology, but not the IT department to back it up. If I encounter a problem that requires IT, it will slow me down for days...
Time off is a key component of what I need to be successful in my current position. I work hard when I’m at work, but need the time off we are given to reenergize to be motivated to help our students.
For myself, I need these additional components in addition to the three mentioned in the video. The combination of these elements enables me to find my internal motivation.
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