Motivation

From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:


'There are three ways to motivate people: guilt, flattery, and inspiration. Most of us have been booked on one or more guilt trips. And from experience, we know that the journey wasn't all that pleasant. "But we really need you." "Everyone else is helping." "You really owe it to us." Cooperation by coercion is not true cooperation. It may prompt a desired action, but it certainly does not prompt a desired result.


Even flattery can be a negative motivator. "You'll get a lot of recognition for this." "Everyone says you do this so well." "All the credit will go to you." These comments are praise placebos, one-handed applause. Leaders know how important it is to reinforce the team effort with honest recognition, but they don't hand out bouquets of plastic roses.


Great leaders inspire their followers. "I have a dream!" "Think of what we can accomplish!" "You can contribute to something great!"


Either by word or by deed, the best leaders are those who can inspire others to reach for something greater than themselves.'