Crunch time - Motivation or Destruction?
Seeing as it is the end of the semester, and I am getting slammed with projects, papers, and finals, it got me thinking about crunch time. I know that when I have a lot on my plate, I get frustrated, and then just do it until its done. It can be very effective for me, and enjoyable to some extent. I was thinking of how you could utilize the crunch time mentality in the workplace to get people motivated. Also, I think crunch time could be used to prevent procrastination on large projects, if you were to lay out a milestone system for completion of the project. A milestone system that sets "close" deadlines would force a sense of urgency and importance into a project that may flounder otherwise. I know I do my best work when the subject is fresh in my mind, so this factor would be beneficial as well, because the project wouldn't be done so much later when the information is a memory. Putting light pressure is a slightly dangerous game, but it could work as a good motivator for the right group of people. Finding and applying these motivation techniques in the right ways and for the right people is what makes a good manager in my opinion.
Comments
Posted by: Mr. Jacob Harry Bernstein
Posted on: April 24, 2006 03:33 AM
The idea of "milestones" or goals is a great one. I find that it also helps out tons. When a large project is assigned, it can seem daunting, or even sometimes impossible. But if a broad overview is looked at and smaller more manageable goals can make a large complicated project quicker and easier. In fact, to keep everybody happy, one tactic could be to not even alert the worker to the project as a whole, and just give them the smaller milestones that only apply to them.
These are just some ideas I had, but overall, I agree with David on this one.
Posted by: David Hastings
Posted on: April 24, 2006 09:38 PM
Jacob, I really like your idea of not even telling the employee about the project. It is not deceptive, but it is a good way of breaking a huge goal into milestones. You can say at the end of the steps that you need a summary, or a presentation if that is required, and it is a much les stressful way of dealing with a large project. My kudos to your ingenuity, Mr. Bernstein.
Posted by: Garey Busey
Posted on: April 25, 2006 02:18 AM
Good show, now just explain Quantum Physics to me hot shot. Yeah I doubt the leadership abilities of any man pushing an enevelope with no seem. I dream of the new age of dawn light, and fire screaming in the brightest tunnels on earth.
Do you breathe my air?
-G.Busey