Need to light a fire under someone?

Some of us think that we need to light a fire under people to motivate them. Big mistake. I don't believe we can motivate others. Motivation comes from within. This quote from Prof Frederick Hertzberg will help to explain.

"Our job is not to light the fire of motivation, but to create an environment to let each person's spark of motivation blaze".

This means as leaders, if we want to have a motivated team, we need to take the time to understand what makes each person tick, understand what lights them up and try to create an environment where they are not only satisfied but bursting with energy.

Leaders invest time in getting to know their people and letting them know they care.  Don't light fires, build relationships.

Cheers

Greg