Making your own choices. Autonomy is often the number-one element in job satisfaction surveys. In the workplace, this sense of freedom counterbalances the contractual subordination of employment. It authorizes involvement in decisions linked to the activity, in terms of both means and process.
Autonomy is often equated with the absence of control, which is just wishful thinking in a corporate context. But at the very least, it greatly reduces the feeling of being constantly evaluated, controlled and judged on one's actions and choices.
The autonomy of team members is an important factor in group motivation. It's the assurance of being able to work in complete serenity, knowing that each member has sufficient mastery of his or her subject not to disturb the others' concentration.
This autonomy requires training and support for novices by the older members of the team, who are temporarily considered mentors or sponsors. The novice's ability to integrate this new skill will determine the quality of the group's motivation.