I use this same approach with time management, weight loss and other advice, use what works for me. Somethings I can’t do, some thing I know I wont do, so I do what I can and that combination DOES work.

The trick is to use what you can, in this case autonomy, appreciation, permission to experiment and to fail on occasion. These things improve moral and given the situation for libraries right now anything we can do to improve moral is a huge help.

That said, the example above betrays some of the problems with TED talks. The vast majority of employees in this country are in jobs where they cannot simply float in and out as they please, whether they are maids or neurosurgeons. I realize the focus is on the idea that money isn’t the key motivator, but as interesting as the TED talks are, I take them with a grain of salt.

Anyhoo, to return to the core question, I find that being thanked for a job well done, to be forgiven the occasional mistake, to be given as much autonomy and accountability as is reasonable for the situation, and to know that my work is appreciated, are key to why I love where I am now.