How to Motivate People
How to Motivate People
Motivation is an emotion that compels people to take action. Motivation is important because, in order to progress towards your goals, you need to take action.
Motivation is an emotion; there are three main motivating emotions that will compel you to take action:
- Fear.
- Anger.
- Desire.
Think about that, for a moment. Isn't it true that one, (or a combination) of these three emotions account for your actions?
- The emotion of fear can, and does, drive you to take action.
- And the emotion of anger drives you to act.
- The emotion of desire often drives you to take action.
Motivation's three Fundamental forces
Since these are the three fundamental forces that drive you to act, you can use them to motivate yourself and others.
1. Fear as a motivator
Would you agree that there are many people out there who are paid good money to induce fear into your mind?
Fear sells. Fear will cause you to act in accordance with the message.
So you will hear fear messages from many sources: politicians; pressure groups; advertisers; drug companies; insurance companies.
All these people will strive to induce a fear- thought into your mind in order to compel you to act and; vote, or buy, or comply with their will.
Fear works as a motivator.
Many people do what they do, NOT because they want to, but because they fear the consequences they will suffer if they don't act.
Fear is powerful motivator. It works. But don't use it. Not unless you have to. Why?
Because fear is a negative motivator. It works, but fear has a negative effect on the human psyche. It is not nice to live or work in a state of fear.
Motivation by fear, the "Do it or else you'll be sorry!" method is not recommended.
Instead of fear, some people use anger as their motivator.
2. Anger
Anger works as a major motivator. Anger will get you out of your chair and cause you to take action.
If you get angry enough, then you'll move!
Would you agree that you sometimes act, whilst being motivated by anger? Of course you do.
Anger is an emotion bought on by reflecting on a past event that you consider to be bad, in some way. Either the event was painful, or unjust, or unwanted, or unexpected; whatever it was, the event was a bad one and it made you angry.
Anger will motivate you into action. You can motivate others into action if you can make them angry.
Again these negative motivators are used by some people to get people to act. If you can induce in the mind of another a sense of outrage, or injustice, or anger, then you can stimulate them into action.
But don't use anger as a motivator, unless you have to. Why? Because anger is another negative motivator.
It works, but anger has a negative effect on the human psyche. It is not nice to live or work in a state of anger. Don't use anger as a motivator.
3. Desire
Instead of anger, wise people use desire as a motivator.
Would you agree that desire, aspiration, ambition, hunger and even greed can be a motivator? Yes of course.
The emotion of desire is essentially a positive motivator. People desire more wealth, more freedom, more time, more friends, more energy, and more health.
Whenever you are working towards a worthwhile and valuable goal you feel motivated, you feel as if you are going forwards, and you probably feel quite happy. This is positive motivation. It is motivation of the best kind.
If you want to motivate people use this kind of positive motivation.
- Ask people about their goals.
- Ask people about what they want to achieve.
- Ask people how they think they could progress to the next level of their performance.
This is the best way to motivate people. Use it!
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Definition: Positive motivation
Positive motivation is a management principle that uses people's desire for a better future to spark action. It ties clear, worthwhile goals to daily tasks, lifts mood and energy, and supports steady, long-term performance without the stress that comes from fear or anger.
Show CG4D Definition
- Builds on desire for gain, not fear or anger
- Links clear, valuable goals to action
- Creates uplifting emotions that raise energy and morale
- Supports steady long-term performance without harmful side effects
Article Summary
Three emotions move us: fear, anger and desire. Fear and anger push people fast but leave them drained. Desire, linked to clear goals, pulls them forward with energy and pride, so leaders who paint a bright goal line spark stronger, lasting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What three emotions does the article say drive action?
Why is fear classed as a negative way to motivate people?
In what way can anger push someone to act?
What makes desire the preferred motivator at work?
How can a leader motivate people through clear goals?
Should a manager ever use fear or anger motivation?
Which motivator supports lasting team performance?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
Gallup 2023 data shows teams in the top quarter for staff engagement make 23% more profit and 18% more output than teams in the bottom quarter. CIPD Good Work Index 2024 finds 47% of UK workers say they would work harder if their manager praised them and set clear goals.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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