Lesson 4: Motivation — What Actually Makes People Move
Motivation — What Actually Makes People Move
The real answer to what motivates people is: it depends on the person, the task, and what they care about. Great people managers know this and use it.
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic: Motivated by outside rewards, money, grades, praise, avoiding trouble. Works well for simple repetitive tasks. Stops working the moment the reward disappears.
Intrinsic: Motivated by the thing itself, curiosity, purpose, mastery, enjoyment. This is the fuel that does not run out. People who are intrinsically motivated keep going even when no one is watching.
The Three Things People Need
Research found that humans are intrinsically motivated when three needs are met:
Autonomy — they have some control over how they work
Competence — they are getting better at something
Relatedness — they feel connected to the people around them
Remove any one of these and motivation tanks. Add all three and people surprise you with what they are capable of.
Try This Today
- Think of a time you were highly motivated and identify which of the three needs was being met
- Think of someone who seems unmotivated and identify which need might be missing
- Ask someone: What part of this project actually interests you? Then build on that answer.