“The Power of Leadership”

#4 – Effective Leaders Use Real Motivators

Many leaders do not really know what motivates people…

• Some leaders use fear
• Some leaders use incentives
• Some use a combination of both

Any of these forms of motivation is the “carrot and stick” approach.

The problem with the “carrot and stick” is that today’s “carrot” becomes tomorrow expected benefit and the “stick” only works when the fearful leader with the stick is present. 

The only form of permanent, self-sustaining, motivation is personal motivation. 

People act instinctively toward their own internal motivators.  They may acquiesce to an external force for while, but only for a short time.  The effective leader is aware of how to use the personal, internal, motivations of people in support of the common good of the organization.

Everyone is first motivated by a common need for security, but once those needs are met, people move to higher level needs: 

• Belonging
• Respect
• Being trusted
• Being given responsibility

Surveys have consistently shown that these motivators consistently outperform money as the source of true job satisfaction.

Every leader should learn as much as they can about how personal, internal motivation can passionately drive results.

“When you know what you want and you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way to get it.” – Jim Rohn

Have a great day!

Shawn

Russ M. Miller, LLIF – Chairman & CEO
Performance Institute (Human Capital Development)
Global CEO Academy (Management Training)
Sunny Hong Zhang – Managing Partner – China
Shawn M. Miller – Managing Partner – USA

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