Library Subject Guides
Competency: Initiative and Self-motivation Duration: 50 minutes approx.
MODULE OVERVIEW
In any industry, the most brilliant, ground-breaking ideas emerge from tuning our minds to the same frequency and working collectively towards a shared goal or vision. The field of Film and TV Production is particularly busy and fast paced, so it is not uncommon to find yourself feeling left behind, especially as an early career professional. It is natural to become disheartened and lose motivation when more experienced colleagues seem to have their work together, just doing their thing. This module will cover Initiative and Self-motivation in the screen industries. We will look at how to remain grounded, focused and how to keep your eye fixed on the goal through community-building and self-empowerment.
Different scenarios in the game presented challenges to test the player’s initiative and self-motivation. For example, in scenario 5, Working the Photocopier, Hazar (Sound Assistant Trainee) was asked by Erika (Script Supervisor) to get some photocopies of the script from the Green Room. As a soundie (part of the sound team), it’s not really their role to make script copies nor reorganise the copies to facilitate things for Erica, but it would certainly be very valuable if they can support the team with that task. This scenario shows how collaboration between crew from different departments can ease the workflows for the whole production.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Through reflective exercises, learners will gain a better understanding of what their own motivators are and how these can aid maintaining consistency throughout their career.
OUTLINE
Section 1 - The go-getter code: how to develop initiative (15 min)
Initiative refers to the proactive and self-driven approach individuals take to identify opportunities, solve problems, and contribute positively to their work environment. Initiative involves a willingness to take on responsibilities, demonstrate resourcefulness, and go “the extra mile” for the team – this is giving a little more to what is expected from you, within healthy boundaries, naturally. Here are key aspects of initiative in the context of Film and Television Production:
Proactive Problem-Solving: Initiative involves actively identifying and addressing challenges without waiting for explicit instructions. Taking the lead to find solutions, contributing to the overall efficiency of a project or production.
Resourcefulness: It's about creatively using available resources, thinking outside the box, and finding innovative solutions to overcome obstacles. Resourceful professionals in our industry may, for example, suggest cost-effective, more sustainable ways to complete a high-quality production or project.
Taking Ownership: This means being accountable for tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring the quality of your contributions. Taking responsibility for your role demonstrates commitment and reliability. Likewise, when you make mistakes – because you will, we all do – own them and learn from them. The empowerment, freedom, and confidence you can gain from owning your mistakes is priceless!
Seeking Opportunities for Growth: Initiative involves actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth. This could include volunteering for new projects, expressing an interest in learning new skills, or taking on further responsibilities to expand one's knowledge within the field.
Continuous Learning: Initiative includes a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices. New professionals who seek out opportunities for professional development demonstrate a forward-thinking approach.
Adaptability: Initiative implies a willingness to embrace change, which can be daunting for many because of uncertainty or unfamiliarity with new dynamics. In this field, where projects often evolve rapidly, initiative presents as flexible and responsive to shifts in the industry landscape.
Networking: professionals who seek out networking opportunities, connect with industry peers, and engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds demonstrate a proactive attitude to building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Activity: Solve the crossword puzzle below using the following hints:
Down
1. Striving for success and continuous improvement
2. Acknowledging and assuming responsibility for actions
3. Determination and motivation to achieve goal
Across
4. Ability to make decisions promptly and effectively
5. Completing tasks and seeing projects to the end
6. Fostering a sense of capability in others
7. Anticipating needs and taking action before required
8. Skill of introducing new ideas or methods
9. One who takes the first step in a process
10. Being able to work independently and make decision
Find the answers for the crossword puzzle at the end of the module. No peeking, though!
Section 2 - Eyes on the prize! (20 min)
Motivation often involves a balance between aligning personal interests and values (intrinsic motivators) and responding to external rewards or consequences (extrinsic motivators). Let’s expand a bit on these.
Intrinsic motivators are internal factors that drive individuals to engage in a particular activity or behaviour because they find it personally rewarding or satisfying. These are often associated with a sense of personal fulfilment. Here are some examples:
Passion: A genuine love or enthusiasm for the activity itself can be a powerful intrinsic motivator. When individuals are passionate about what they are doing, the joy and satisfaction derived from the process become a reward.
Autonomy: Having the freedom to make choices, set goals, and determine one's own path can be intrinsically motivating. Autonomy provides a sense of control and ownership over one's actions.
Mastery: The desire to improve skills, achieve mastery, and overcome challenges can be a strong intrinsic motivator. The inherent satisfaction of becoming better at something or mastering a skill drives individuals to persist in their efforts.
Purpose: Feeling a sense of purpose or contributing to something meaningful can be a powerful intrinsic motivator. Knowing that one's work has a positive impact on others or aligns with personal values fosters motivation.
Curiosity: Intrinsic motivation can stem from a natural curiosity and a desire to explore, learn, and understand new things. The process of discovery itself becomes rewarding.
Extrinsic motivators, on the other hand, are external factors that influence our behaviour by offering rewards or avoiding punishments. These motivators are often associated with tangible or external outcomes.
Financial Rewards: Monetary incentives, such as bonuses, salary increases, or performance-related pay, serve as extrinsic motivators. Individuals may be motivated by the prospect of financial gain.
Recognition and Awards: External recognition, praise, or awards can motivate individuals by providing a sense of accomplishment and acknowledgment for their efforts.
Competition: Competing with others or striving to outperform peers can be an extrinsic motivator. The desire to win or achieve a better standing relative to others drives behaviour.
Grades and Evaluations: In academic or professional settings, grades, evaluations, or performance reviews can serve as extrinsic motivators. The desire to receive positive feedback or avoid negative consequences can influence effort.
Punishment: Negative consequences, such as criticism, reprimands, or loss of privileges, can be a powerful extrinsic motivator, prompting individuals to avoid undesirable outcomes.
Activity: Reflect on what your intrinsic and extrinsic motivators are and create a small mood board using images, doodles, drawings, and/or text to represent them. Include at least one item for each of your intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. You might want to print your collage and frame it or have it somewhere visible as a prompt to keep you motivated, especially during those days.
CALL TO ACTION! (5 min)
The 3-second rule
In the hustle of the Screen Industries, opportunities pass by in the blink of an eye. There might be days when motivating yourself to get things done feels like the biggest challenge ever – but you’re not alone, this is perfectly normal. For these times, or even if you’d like to up your self-motivation game, follow the 3-second rule hack to help you cut through doubt and procrastination, and puts you back onboard the ride. The 3-second rule is a method which suggests that if you have an impulse to do something positive or productive, you must take immediate action (within three seconds) with the purpose of overcoming hesitation and not giving time to overthink or talk yourself out of it.
Let’s do a quick run to get you started. Think of a simple task that you have been putting off for a while but that can get done in less than two minutes, e.g., washing your morning breakfast dishes, answering an email to your boss, changing that broken lightbulb, ordering your repeat prescription to the pharmacy, etc). Now that you remembered and there is a spark of motivation or inspiration or even urgency, you have three seconds tops to get up and do it!
3…
2…
1…
GO!
How did it go? Did you manage to get the task done? Try this hack every day and observe how daunting tasks become more manageable.
EXTERNAL RESOURCES
Check out Mind Tools’ Quick and Easy Self-motivation Hacks to keep your motivation up and running.
Crossword answers:
