How to Inspire People
Motivation Methods
There are three ways to motivate people, but only one of those ways is inspirational. People are motivated by three basic emotions:
- Fear
- Anger
- Desire
Fear as a Motivator
Fear is a negative motivator. People are motivated by fear. That's why politicians, the media, and other pressure groups purposely promote fear in the minds of others to make people act.
But fear is not a positive motivator; it is a negative motivator. People do not thrive when they are fearful. Fear degrades the psyche, and therefore, we should never use fear to motivate people.
Leaders and managers who do use fear to motivate people destroy the minds of their workers. Eventually, they will leave or stop working.
Anger as a Motivator
Anger is another negative motivator. If you can get people angry enough, they will act. Some managers motivate with anger.
Getting angry and shouting at people does motivate them up to a point, but it is a negative motivator. Nobody will stay around angry people for long before they decide to leave.
Desire as a Motivator
Desire is a positive motivator. Desire for a better future, achievement, success, approval, and acceptance. People will work hard for the things they desire. To harness this effectively, consider enhancing your skills through the Personal Development Training Course, which equips you with tools to communicate effectively, achieve goals, and maintain a positive mental attitude.
If you want to motivate people and inspire them, then use positive motivators of desire. Ask people to set goals and help them achieve them. Ask people what they want and try to give it to them. The People Management Skills Training Course can provide you with strategies to set clear goals, manage conflicts, and inspire your team effectively.
In all good relationships, there is a mutual benefit to be gained. I win, you win, we win. If you can create positive motivation by the principle of desire, then you will inspire people. For those in leadership roles, the Inspirational Leadership Training Course offers insights into empowering yourself and others through practical leadership methods.
Summary
Don't motivate people with fear. Don't motivate people with anger. Instead, use desire as your primary motivator because desire is a positive, inspirational emotion that people can live with indefinitely. To further develop your leadership and management capabilities, the Leadership and Management Training Course bridges the gap between technical competence and inspirational leadership. Additionally, new managers can benefit from the First Line Manager Training Course, which provides practical methods for effective management, including planning and communication strategies.
Definition: desire-based motivation
Desire-based motivation is a leadership method that uses people's wish for a better future to drive action. It sets clear, attractive goals, offers praise and help, avoids threat or anger, and aims for shared gain. Because the feeling stays pleasant, effort remains strong and morale stays high.
Show CG4D Definition
- draws power from positive longing for gain or growth
- sets vivid goals that workers accept as their own
- relies on praise and support, not threat or blame
- sustains long-term effort by keeping the emotion pleasant
Article Summary
Fear and anger force short bursts of action, yet desire sparks steady effort and real growth; lead with clear goals, praise and shared reward, and you inspire people to stay, learn and lift results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What are the three basic emotions that drive motivation?
Why should I avoid fear when leading a team?
How does anger affect long-term staff performance?
Why is desire considered a positive motivator?
How can a manager use desire to inspire workers?
What signs show fear-based leadership is in place?
Does positive motivation improve business results?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace shows teams whose managers use praise and growth talks post 17% higher output and 21% more profit than teams led with fear-based control. CIPD’s Good Work Index 2023 finds 72% of UK staff name praise and thanks as their top spur, while only 4% say fear of loss drives them to work harder.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Motivation
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Motivational Management: Positive Mental Attitude
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How to Handle Uncertainty About the Future
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The Difference Between a Wish and a Goal
Learn the wish vs goal difference and turn vague hopes into achievable, realistic goals. Use simple skill and resource checks to set clear targets and act now.
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Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Motivation Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
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