Before understanding how to create a successful operational motivational plan, one must first come to terms with the definition of self-actualization. Only then will we be able to achieve the value-added results we plan on contributing to the organization.
Human Needs
Dr. Abraham Maslow’s five levels of human needs are survival, security, social acceptance, self-esteem and self-actualization. Self-actualization is at the top of the hierarchical pyramid. This structure defines everything a person is capable of becoming.
Reality
There are many characteristics which make up a self-actualizing person. One characteristic is that of realism. The trait of being realistically oriented with an efficient perception of reality and to also be comfortable with this behavior is very characteristic of a self-actualizing person. The ability to reason, think logically and see the truth are adherent qualities as well.
Self-Acceptance
Another characteristic is that of self-acceptance. Accepting yourself, the world and the others around you give you the ability to live without guilt, shame, regret and other unnecessary inhibitions.
Ethics
A self-actualizing person whose ethics are independent and unaffected by conventional methods is motivated toward continual growth. Naturalness and simplicity sprought spontaneity from within the self-actualized person.
Focusing
Another characteristic of a self-actualizing person is the ability to center or focus on problems. This focus generates outside of himself and requires much energy. Serenity and a worry free attitude, along with a devotion to duties, make the reasons for this person’s existence.
Detachment
A self-actualized person has the need for detachment and privacy. It is easy for this person to be alone and not lonely. This characteristic is defined as having the trait of owning up to one’s behavior and retaining dignity through times of great personal misfortune. This person is a self-motivator and is responsible for himself.
The self-actualized person is truly independent of culture and the environment. An appreciation of people and the basic goodness in life is observed. Living with this person is truly spiritual, motivating and uplifting as the moments of the here and now are enjoyed and experienced to the fullest.
Concerning peak experiences, Abraham Maslow said, “Feelings of limitless horizons opening up to the vision, the feeling of being simultaneously more powerful and also more helpless than one ever was before, the feeling of ecstasy and wonder and awe, the loss of placement in time and space with, finally, the conviction that something extremely important and valuable had happened so that the subject was to some extent transformed and strengthened even in his daily life by such experiences.”
A very vivid characteristic of a self-actualized person is that of interpersonal relationships. Viewing the sympathy, kindness and affection for mankind makes it clear that this person is capable of great love and shares his affection and friendliness with everyone.
The self actualized person will never discriminate and through humble portrayals, will learn from anyone regardless of class, education, race, color or political belief.
A self-actualized person has great creativity. He is original and uninhibited in his approach. This makes him inventive with an individualistic uniqueness.
Imperfections
Another characteristic of a self-actualized person is the ability to be painfully aware of his own imperfections and at the same time, have an awareness of his own growth process.
The self-actualized person is realistically human because of the sociological methods in which he accepts himself, mankind, physical reality and the social world around him.
The Plan
There are eight important topics which need to be addressed when writing an operational motivational plan. In a written plan, my first two topics are not the key focus of the plan, but only an organizational tool used to help lay out an organized look and feel.
Cover Page
The first section is the cover page. The name of the company, its phone number, and the chief executive’s name will reside within. That may seem obvious but you would be amazed how many business plans turn up without the proper heading. Imagine the frustration of reading a great business plan and then to not have the phone number directly in front of you so that you can call and congratulate this person on a plan well written. Also, a good idea would be to number the plans in the case of multiple business plans. This will allow you the ability to track plans. A nondisclosure statement will be necessary to protect the ideas and rights associated with the plan.
Table Of Contents
The second section will consist of the table of contents. The table of contents will allow a logical arrangement of all sections contained within the business plan. All pages will be numbered. It is surprising to see the number of business plans which contain no page numbers. As minuscule a matter as it seems, page numbers add organization and help navigate through the report during presentations.
Executive Summary
The executive summary is the heart of the operational motivational plan. Under the strict supervision of trusted managerial coworkers, the idea of management by objective will be utilized. Management by objective (MBO) is the means of motivating people versus controlling them. The goal is to convert organizational objectives into specific objectives. The main directives containing the drive for MBO are the employee recognition style and the employee involvement style.
Employee Recognition
The employee recognition program is the act of delivering recognition to both groups and individuals with the anticipated result of creating motivation and repetition of successful accomplishments. The “employee of the month” program is a good recognition style. Along with being recognized as the employee of the month, the employee will also be moderately rewarded with movie passes, shirts, or a small reward. Groups will be recognized the same way.
Employee Involvement
Employee involvement will be designed to create an enhanced commitment to the organization. The method will be to provide the employee with a significant amount of decision-making involvement with their management. Another aspect of employee involvement will be to let the worker participate in decision-making through small groups, which will represent the employees in that group.
The Mission Statement
Since this operational motivational plan is in writing, it will consist of basic information about the company. This will provide all the information necessary for providing an insight into the product concept and the evolution of the market. This section of the plan will consist of the company’s current status, the company’s future strategy and the action required achieving the company’s goals. These actions are referred to previously in the executive summary section. In summary, the mission statement will provide information concerning the company’s past, present and future.
Management
The role of management will be to identify the market. Identifying the market is defined as assessing targeted customer groups, the competition and marketing efforts. Included is the analyzation of how fast the market is growing and to what scale will the company’s product be demanded.
Sales & Promotion
Management will also assess how customers will be reached and how the marketing plan will be carried out. Management will make all the decisions on how to sell to customers. Decisions concerning public relations and sales techniques will also be determined by management.
The Team
The major role of the organization is to become familiar with the concepts which strive towards a self-actualized person whom understands the fundamental principles of teamwork. Teamwork will be taught and stressed in all facets of the business.
Value-Added Results
The value-added results, which will add to the organization, will come from the mastering of becoming a self-actualized person along with being able to motivate within the company’s mission statement. The value will be noted in the signs of motivation and cooperation amongst coworkers.
Conclusion
It is always difficult to analyze a vast number of motivational theories and determine which methods will best achieve positive results for the company. The methods described within this plan encompass a basic path of success. Through proper implementation, the value-added results will be seen.