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What motivates people? 

By Robbie MacCue

Remember: It’s not always about money.

In Dan Pink’s TED talk, he eloquently conveys that once basic money needs are met, then autonomy, mastery and purpose becoming motivating factors for people.

In fact, money can actually demotivate people and cause worse results.

“There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does.” Dan Pink continues, “What worries me, is that too many organizations are making their decisions about talent and people based on assumptions that are outdated, un-examined and rooted more in folklore than in science. If we really want high performance, the solution is not to do more of the wrong things. To entice them with a bigger carrot or threaten them with a bigger stick.  He suggests the answer to the problem is giving staff autonomy, mastery and purpose.”

We’re not saying you shouldn’t give employees raises.

We are saying there are other intangible things that you can do to retain your people, paid or volunteer in EMS and other areas of healthcare.

Gallup is a company who has been at the forefront for studying workplace engagement for years. They define engaged employees, “as those who are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace.” Since 2000 they have surveyed people annually on Employee Engagement.

U.S. Employee Engagement, 2013 vs. 2014Take a look at these numbers from Gallup showing in 2014 31.5% of employees were Engaged. While 51% were not engaged and 17.5% of people were actively disengaged.

Managers account for 70% of a variance in these engagement numbers and they point out that “Great managers create the right environment for engagement.”

Like what you’re reading, sign up for more so you don’t skip a beat…

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Robbie MacCue


Robbie is the cofounder of the EMS Leadership Academy, host of the EMS Leadership Summit, and paramedic captain in Albany, NY where he serves in the Special Operations Division for ground rescue, flight, & tactical medicine. He performs international medical flights with North America's largest fixed wing Air Ambulance service. For more than 14 years, Robbie served as President of a non-profit EMS organization advocating for increased funding and raising the bar of excellence. In addition, Robbie is an American Heart Association advocate who is passionate about empowering others to save more lives. He has taught physicians, nurses, and other medical providers Advanced Cardiac Life Support at medical schools and hospitals throughout Manhattan. Robbie has undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a MBA from Case Western Reserve University and provides business consulting that combines his love of technology with healthcare.

Robbie MacCue

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