Can we really "motivate" others?

here are the "top three" things Managers can do "to motivate":

Can Managers, Mothers, Coaches and Leaders really “motivate” their teams? We must acknowledge that motivation is intrinsic, it’s internal, some say God given…it’s either there, or it’s not there. Much like the life giving impetus for growth within a seed. Wouldn’t we laugh at the farmer who was caught trying to “motivate” his corn crop to grow, by using exhortations and phrases, like, “Don’t you want to grow up to be an ear of corn some day?!”

No, we cannot “motivate” people, but we CAN set the climate for growth by removing counter-motivational factors and forces…

For those of us, who insist on trying to “motivate”, let’s not disparage the process. Here are THE TOP THREE IDEAS we can use to MOTIVATE our people.

These three concepts and techniques are the only real and usable approaches for the leader to utilize. They are:

The FIRST: The use of THREAT OR FEAR. “If you don’t finish the project this week, we will lose the contract, and you will lose your job!” Or, “If your room isn’t in order and “spotless” by the time I get back, you won’t drive for a week!” And, for the student, “these papers must be turned in by midnight on Friday, or you will receive a failing grade!”

But “these methods work, don’t they?” Yes! They are motivational, and the room will be cleaned, or the paper turned in on time…but THREAT or FEAR, is only motivational for a brief period of time. Then, you have to “up the anti” or make good on the threat.

SECOND, we have the opportunity to use INCENTIVES and REWARDS. Offering a bonus, or an “A” grade, may get a result for this project, but in 4 to 6 weeks, the incentive, or the reward must be increased. The “pay raise” will motivate until it is given, but what next?

Finally, the THIRD idea we might choose, is the use of IDEAS or KNOWLEDGE. Reading a book that inspires the individual to be more, or to do more than is currently being done, can drive activity for years! The young man who sees the “Blue Angels” air show, can catch the desire to become a pilot or to “get to that place” and will tell the story of how seeing the Blue Angels was the reason he chose this career. Or, the documentary shown in class about how third world countries are helped through the “Mercy Ships” or Doctors Without Borders might provide the stimulus for a life of service.

Telling your team about a good book, that inspired you, to go higher, or to “take it up a notch” might be motivational, but, then again it MIGHT NOT. Remember this quote…”Motivation might be defined as showing the team something that you have that they want…but not giving it to them, rather, SHOW THEM HOW YOU GOT IT!. So don’t buy 20 copies of the book and give them out, instead, give out the title and the inspirational description of what you got from it….then allow them to go and get it.

Our THIRD IDEA for MOTIVATION, is the only permanent one. Ideas and knowledge can last for a lifetime. It can be the driving force and passion behind great achievement.