I started reading 'Unto This Last' by John Ruskin, 1860. Within the first few paragraphs his words have started to captivate my heart. The following caught my attention and I couldn't help admire the simplicity with which he has approached what is not becoming a huge problem in modern day offices - 'employee motivation'.

"But [a worker or an employee] being, ....., an engine whose motive power is a Soul, the force of this very peculiar agent, as an unknown quantity, enters into all the political economist's equations, without his knowledge, and falsifies every one of their results.The largest quantity of work will not be done by this curious engine for pay, or under pressure, or by help of any kind of fuel which may be supplied by the caldron. It will be done only when the motive force, that is to say, the will or spirit of the creature, is brought to its greatest strength by its own proper fuel: namely, by the affections."

Motivation for employee hasn't changed for hundreds of years. I learned a new, important word, 'affection'. We never imagine that an employer or a boss must give affection for employees. Yet that is the only proper fuel for employees to give their best.

--
I Am New,
Krish Murali Eswar.
Photo Courtesy: Ken Douglas