Self Interest
Reflecting on my role as a design team lead, the concept of self-interest has proven to be a profound and multifaceted topic that extends beyond the initial assumptions. Initially, I perceived self-interest as merely understanding a designer's purpose within our creative team. However, as I delved deeper into this concept, I uncovered its far-reaching impact extending beyond our team and into the company we work within. It became apparent that self-interest plays a pivotal role in shaping the motivations, challenges, and driving forces of every team member. In this essay, I will explore the nuanced dimensions of self-interest and elucidate how recognising and aligning with the individual motivations of creative team members is a strategic investment that yields personal investment and synergistic team collaboration.
At its core, self-interest is a fundamental driving force behind human behavior. Humans are intrinsically wired to seek pleasure and fulfillment. In the context of the workplace, self-interest can be construed as an individual's personal investment in and perceived advantage derived from their work. However, the crux of self-interest lies in uncovering what designers truly aspire to achieve in their careers and collaboratively working towards those aspirations. This approach fosters an environment of connection rather than protection, aligning with the primal human need for meaningful connection with others in the modern world.
The significance of self-interest extends beyond individual well-being; it has the potential to redefine productivity within a team. While work allows us to partake in society, secure financial stability, and enhance our quality of life, productivity transcends mere tasks. It is about utilising one's time to create value, both for oneself and others. Understanding a designer's self-interest fuels their sense of purpose, integrity, and intention, leading to the generation of high-quality output and, subsequently, the formation of an effective creative team. In essence, it revolves around prioritising the individual's motivations.
In the workplace, gaining insights into your team members' reasons for choosing a creative career, their alignment with the company, their desired lifestyle, and their career aspirations is pivotal in providing effective support. This knowledge allows leaders to tailor their approach to meet these individual needs, enabling team members to harness their moral energy towards collective goals. This, in turn, fosters motivation and a sense of belonging within the creative team.
Observationally, individuals who feel truly understood and connected within their work environment exhibit higher job satisfaction, engage in cooperative efforts, display greater loyalty to the company, experience reduced absenteeism, and encounter less stress. The act of consciously choosing to cooperate based on one's self-interest leads to a deeper and more meaningful engagement with the team's objectives.
Furthermore, it seems to me that employees do not wholeheartedly embrace a company's vision unless their personal needs and desires are fulfilled. While they may diligently carry out their tasks from their Jira board, their work lacks a profound sense of purpose. When we align an individual's responsibilities with their personal values and aspirations, it ignites their enthusiasm, enhances their willingness to collaborate, and elevates their overall contributions, even during challenging days. The essential message here is that they come to work because it resonates with their own aspirations. While on the surface, this may appear self-centered, if you were to ask them, you'd find a variety of answers. Some lend themselves toward they want to "create cool stuff," they "want to feel challenged and grow," they "want to be part of a team," and sometimes it is as mundane as they "need to pay the bills." These are the fundamental drivers behind their daily commitment.
I came across a powerful quote that emphasises the significance of incorporating personal values into our daily work routines; “The life you want is within the simplicity of your everyday tasks". This quote underscores that the life we aspire to can be discovered in the collective experiences of each day. When we align our actions with these core values, it revitalises us, fosters collaboration, and empowers us to consistently bring our best selves to the forefront, regardless of the challenges we may face.
So where could you begin? Here are just a few examples of mine.
Cultivate a unique relationship with team members; it is imperative to establish open channels of communication during one-on-one interactions. Embracing vulnerability and conveying shared commitment toward fulfilling their desires forms the foundation of this rapport. By setting realistic expectations and gradually working toward these goals together, team members are empowered to express their preferences, challenges, and their purpose. As a leader, nurturing an environment that encourages authenticity and growth becomes paramount. This approach not only illuminates a path forward for team members but also expands their creative capacity by giving them a sense of agency.
Demonstrate alignment of self-interest can be achieved through simple yet effective actions. Such as documenting whiteboard sessions, presentations, and collaborative activities can serve as a valuable resource for team members in explaining their ideas to external stakeholders and bolstering their professional portfolios. This tangible support not only reinforces the perception that their self-interest is valued but also equips them with a rich collection of work samples that reflect their growth and contributions.
Understanding and aligning with the self-interest of creative team members is far from a selfish endeavour. It is a strategic investment that fosters personal growth, enhances teamwork, and ultimately contributes to the vitality of the team. By recognising that individuals come to work driven by their aspirations, leaders can foster an environment where personal motivations and professional goals align - what a team that would be!
