Do you remember the famous marshmallow experiment that took place at Stanford University in the 1970’s?
Kids were left unattended in a room. They were given the choice to consume a single marshmallow or wait & be rewarded with two marshmallows upon the psychologist’s return. Data showed kids who were willing to wait for the greater reward had better life outcomes.
This experiment was recently revisited & expanded upon by the University of Manchester in the UK. The new study was conducted online. Kids (in their own homes) were shown a treat by their parents (such as a marshmallow). They were partnered with other children online who they could see but could not communicate with. The kids were told they could enjoy the original treat, or they could wait with their online partner & receive an even better treat. Researchers found kids were willing to wait longer for the greater reward if their online partner was also willing to do so.
What do these marshmallow experiments & motivation have in common? They involve delaying immediate gratification for a greater future reward. Motivation is the driving force behind goal achievement, such as receiving a job promotion or advancing to a leadership role. Forming positive habits & managing one’s willpower are key to resisting immediate temptations to obtain future success. The updated experiment also suggests that individuals who engage in successful cooperative interactions build trust that enhances future success.
What motivates one person does not necessarily motivate another. R U interested in learning more about how you as a manager can help motivate your employees based on their individual styles? Reach out to R U Ready to Achieve to learn more.
