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We often tend to think that the executive wishes to…

“We often tend to think that the executive wishes to maintain standard, wishes to reach a certain quality of production, and that the worker has to be goaded in some way to do this. Again and again we forget that the worker is often, usually I think, equally interested, that his greatest pleasure…” quote by Mary Parker Follett
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“We often tend to think that the executive wishes to maintain standard, wishes to reach a certain quality of production, and that the worker has to be goaded in some way to do this. Again and again we forget that the worker is often, usually I think, equally interested, that his greatest pleasure in his work comes from the satisfaction of worthwhile accomplishment, of having done the best of which he was capable.”

Mary Parker Follett

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Workers are motivated by the intrinsic satisfaction of doing their best, not just external pressure or standards.

In simple terms: People find joy in doing good work, not just being pushed.

Key Takeaway

Foster meaningful work environments.

Themes

work motivation accomplishment

Mood

inspirational professional

Type

leadership philosophical

When to use this quote

  • team management
  • project planning
  • skill development

Key Concepts

intrinsic motivation leadership employee satisfaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can leaders nurture intrinsic motivation?
  • What role do standards play in satisfaction?
A Different Perspective

External incentives may still be needed for consistency.

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