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Rational vs Emotional Commitment

Reading time ~1 min

I’ve spoken before on how I like some of Simon T Bailey’s stuff and his
general leetnesses…he has some gems…

This one, on rational vs emotional commitment is quite leet and touches
on a discussion we had over lunch…

-snip-

You might be wondering about the difference between rational and
emotional commitment.

Rational commitment is the “what” that you agree to give an organization
when you’re hired: your time, talent and energy in exchange for
financial compensation, professional development opportunities and the
chance to fulfill your career ambitions.

Emotional commitment is the “why” – the passion and the purpose behind
the work. It’s what keeps you in the relationship with the organization.
When you are emotionally committed, your confidence increases and your
heart flutters with complete satisfaction as you enjoy professional utopia.

Rationally committed employees do what they have to do; emotionally
committed employees do what they love to do.

-snip-

While this is pretty cool in itself, it goes further…

-snip-

The Corporate Leadership Council recently surveyed 50,000 employees from
59 different organizations in 27 countries, representing 10 industry
groups. One of the key findings from this survey is that emotional
commitment is four times as valuable as rational commitment in driving
discretionary effort among employees.

Discretionary effort means you raise your hand to take on more work, you
offer to assist others when they are overloaded, and you proactively go
the extra mile to drive results without anyone tapping you on the
shoulder to ask for your assistance.

When you are emotionally committed to your organization, your brilliance
is ignited because you cease wondering if you are valued and secure in
your position.

-snip-

Food for thought…(you can tell lunch was good) :>

/nick