We were recently featured on Michael Neel’s FuncWorks “FeelTheFunc” podcast. We touched on a range of topics from iPods to Silverlight contests to XNA. There was also a little behind-the-scenes discussion on our popular Silverlight game, Strategic Command.
If you’re interested in our current projects, we give a few exclusive details about what we’re working on and what’s coming up in the future!
Check it out here: http://feelthefunc.com/2009/07/20/EP13FarmerInTheFunc.aspx
Strategic Command on SilverArcade: http://silverarcade.com/games/benfarmer/Strategic-Command
General
FeelTheFunc, Silverlight, Stategic Command, XNA
A goal or objective that inspires or motivates a person, defined or undefinable, given by The Almighty.
I’ve been thinking more and more about vision lately. Its hard to imagine life without a vision. To quote Helen Keller:
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Helen Keller
Being lost is the closest I can think of, when looking for an analogy to lacking a vision. Wondering aimlessly with no bigger picture would be pretty depressing. Although its hard when you start to wonder if your vision will ever work out. And trying to deal with being unable to share your vision is tough. How do you impart or share a vision with others? Do people want a vision, or are they content going day-to-day?
Motivation, vision, enthusiasm – what does it mean to people? Corporations are always coming up with their corporate vision and values. Politicians try to sell you on their vision for the country. Has our society become jaded to the idea of a vision?
I think this will require more thought.
General
Frederick Herzberg did a study on employee motivation in the 1950s and 1960s. His conclusions are worth pointing out. He made an important distinction: there are things that motivate employees and there are things that de-motivate employees but they can (and usually are) different things. You can also say that the lack of motivational items don’t cause a person to be unmotivated. Conversely, the lack of de-motivating items does not cause motivation. They are separate ideas.
The things to Maximize (motivators):
Achievement
Recognition for Achievement
Work Itself
Responsibility
Growth
Advancement
The things to Minimize (de-motivators):
Company Policy
Administration
Supervision
Interpersonal Relationships
Working Conditions
Salary
Status
Security
The article appeared in the Harvard Business Review (“One More Time: How Do You Motivate Employees?“, January – February 1968). You can read an interesting take on these ideas here: http://www.consultpivotal.com/myths_dispelled.htm.
General