Encouraging Intrinsic Motivation

By e August 19, 2023 Leadership and Management No Comments

A friend and colleague reached out with a question that encouraged me to reflect on how to encourage intrinsic motivation in myself and others. This is highly relevant to my current experience, so I am particularly thankful to WG for providing the opportunity to consider this. I’m sure this needs deeper thought, and there is probably a book out there that already articulates this, but… here are some initial notes.

As in the case of a crime, the individual we suspect (of having the possibility of developing and actualizing the capacity for excellence and joy) needs  means, motive, and opportunity

Desired End / Result:

Purpose and desire -> results and joy in both results and process

The Means:

  1. Relationship
    1. With Leader
      1. Trust required to enable deepening and progress
      2. So leader learns to understand. There is no easy answer – no easy boxes. People are individuals. Each has unique motivations, styles, worldviews and passions.
    2. With team/customer/client/fan
      1. Care for and about others means I feel good about helping/ serving them, especially going above and beyond expectations.
  2. Autonomy
    1. Intrinsic is autonomous by definition
    2. The choice has to be and feel free
    3. I am doing this because I want to!
    4. Resist the temptation to coercion or manipulation
      1. Exercise of Authority is counterproductive
      2. Science clearly supports that extrinsic reinforcement reduces intrinsic motivation
  3. Ability
    1. Skills and the opportunity to use them
    2. Ability, competence, mastery
  4. Context
    1. Why does this matter? 
    2. Why do I matter? 

Means:  Step zero

Hierarchy of needs. Maslow proposed a hard hierarchy. Modern science tries to find more evidentiary support, and concludes the hierarchy is not so firm, and varies by culture. The key thing here is to understand what obstacles are facing this specific individual. 

tl;dr – Physical (financial), psychological, spiritual, social needs will get in the way of the desired end. The whole person needs care and attention. 

  • Maslow
    • Self-actualization
    • Safety
    • Love & belonging
    • Esteem
    • Self-actualization
  • Modern
    • Parenting
    • Mate retention
    • Mate acquisition
    • Status
    • Affiliation 
    • Self- protection
    • Immediate physiological

But – As leader, we can only help someone discover intrinsic motivation. We cannot do it for them. We can sometimes help with underlying issues and obstacles, but it is ultimately up to them. The consequences of trauma, especially, are often out of our area of competence to resolve or perhaps even mitigate. 

Key concepts and resources

Most authors and books have great Ted Talks for tl;dr or introduction

What do you think?