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Motivation
Once again I find myself wondering what drives us to undertake this sort of work. I remember my friend Daniel saying that there are 4 motivations for working with MSF – escape, adventure, money and idealism. In talking of escape, he was referring to the fact that many undertake this sort of work when they are trying to put their past behind them and move on, or even literally escape an uncomfortable situation back home. Undoubtedly the promise of adventure and challenge is attractive to many, and for some even the modest salary is a draw. Finally on Daniel’s list is idealism…tacked onto the end as an afterthought…. as if to suggest that such motivations are rare amongst people working in the humanitarian sector.
I love the honesty of Daniel’s analysis. And I agree with the theme…that we carry an emotional baggage that influences our motivations and behaviour. I think most of the international staff working with MSF show an escapist tendency, and a search for adventure goes hand in hand with this. But is this it? Is idealism just the gloss that we apply to our heap of emotional baggage? Can we say with confidence whether we are motivated by idealism? And does it matter, if the results are the same either way?
Of course it doesn’t matter… is the immediate response I am tempted to make. The humanitarian industry runs on funds not idealism, and this is a good thing, because the sector needs level-headed economists, not uncritical idealists. The well-known line from Yeats’ poem comes to mind : “The best lack all conviction….the worst are full of passionate intensity.”
It’s easy to be convinced by Yeats’ statement because we have all experienced this, and because the words sound valid. Yet if we make an effort we can all recall people who have bridged this gap, who have bought their ideals, their humanity to bear, without sacrificing their pragmatism. James Orbinski, in his writings on his experience with MSF, shows a untiring humanitarian spirit, an appreciation of humanity, which is nonetheless set within a pragmatic public health perspective. I think we all remember individuals who have influenced us (and reassured us) in this way.
So does it matter whether or not we are idealistic? It depends on the outcome we are looking for – simply achieving the objectives of the current project…. or going further, hoping to influence those around us, to express our personal vision, or perhaps to empower others to express theirs. We all influence others – we all make a statement - whether we like it or not; and thus perhaps idealism can be redefined as taking responsibility for this, and consciously choosing the manner in which we influence others, to advance our ideals.
So to return to the first question: it is not so hard to say whether we are idealistic. I do feel that I have a vision… not a very original vision, perhaps a vision that almost all of us share… and I allow that vision to influence the way I interact with others. Perhaps this vision is not always very salient, perhaps my motivation flags at times; but it is always there, peeping through amongst the emotional baggage, at the origin of my desire to do this work (I believe), and not just a gloss I have applied as an afterthought.
Tags: adventure, escapism, idealism, motivation, vision
August 3rd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Wow, this is the first time I have ever come across a piece of writing that has clarified the ‘motivation’ so clearly!!!!! Very insightful and very true! (In my personal opinion).
Do continue with your hard work
Kind regards,
Lucy
(25, UK)
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August 6th, 2010 at 5:28 am
thanks for the information about msf.i hold a diploma in medicine and certificate in nursing and midwifery,i currently work with the government of tanzania,where i care for children(orphans)of parents who died due to hiv/aids.is it possible finding an employment opportunity with your organisation?congrats to your hard work and God bless you.
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August 6th, 2010 at 6:27 am
I think this is so true..
And I think that every one has his own motivation whether it’s idealistic or not..what it really matters is the result..what it really matters is seeing the joy of painfree life again..
Kind regards,
Marwa
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August 6th, 2010 at 7:03 am
i used to say that some are in msf to help others, and some to help themselves.
…not that there is anything good or bad with this idea!, it is just like that – and both motivations are linked, one doesn’t go without the other.
above all, this is a job that goes with a way of living, a way of seeing the world.
and i guess that a good motivation might be to help people around you having reasons to smile more.
just be happier .
whether you are a nurse working with rural poor people in africa or a good bread baker in a village in europe.
thanks!
elsa
msf-spain
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August 6th, 2010 at 9:40 am
Hey, thank you SO much for this eloquent post. I will definitely be sharing it widely.
And thanks for your work with MSF.
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August 6th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I found your post to be very moving and heartwarming. It is indeed true and eloquent. I was very touched by this as I’m sure many reader’s of this post are. I’m aslo very moved by all the work you do for MSF.
Thank you for all the work you do with MSF and may God continue to bless your work.
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August 6th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Very insightful and enlightening. Beautiful! I believe it is a calling. And I agree with your friend on all of the above. Timing and circumstance doesn’t allow me to follow my call to do international work, maybe someday. Keep up the good work. You do make a difference! GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THAT YOU DO!
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August 6th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I am really trying to get to work with MSF, but it seems that they dont need no help. I am a physician went to Haiti, I work in the ER for over 20 years even though I am internal medicine. And there are many reason I have to want to be part of MSF. How can I join you or are you so full you dont need more hands? let me know.
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Liz Reply:
August 19th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Hi Kamira
If you are in the UK please feel free to go to our website and apply on line http://www.msf.org.uk/work_overseas.aspx
If you have any further questions please call the office and ask to speak to me
warm regards
Liz
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August 6th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
“Si tu veux te soigner,
Soigne
Les autres,
Et souris ou pleure,
De cette heureuse volte-face du sort.”
(L’élégance du hérisson)
This could be something to reflect upon when talking about motivations…
Matteo
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August 10th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Escape, adventure, money and idealism as motivators, heh.. I recognise these needs among service workers generally. I want to say that and among aid workers I truly hope people are clear on what is their major motivational factor before doing aid work. The sheer hard work and set backs will crack the romance of escape, adventure and money very soon and if these reasons outweigh a committment to humanity (allbeit still ego enhancing from the feeling that you are making a difference) then the disillused can project their negativity onto others and unwittingly undermine team efforts that are already pressured and add weight to cynacism even among the most idealised persons. So, I say be sure why you are going before you go!! Surely the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others should be the driving force that is bufferd by escape, adventure or money; not a means to the end.
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