7 Myths of Motivation

If you are a manager over a team in a business or a coach over a team in athletics, your goal is to motivate. You might say, "I need to motivate my team to perform at their highest potential on a regular basis." So how do you do accomplish this?

7 Myths of Motivation

Below are the 7 myths of motivation and contrary to business managers and team coaches around the world these techniques don't motivate, especially in a way that drives consistent performance and quality, not even close.

Myth #1: They either have or they don't

Many managers and coaches forget why they are around and spend little time managing or coaching their teams. Some of the greatest team members just need a little coaching and they will be on their way to greatness.

Myth #2: Punishment motivates

You can't just punish people and want to have them perform at their highest or even expected potential at a drop of a hat. Punishment causes a lack of trust and respect, which is one of the keys to really motivating your teams.

Myth #3: I treat everyone the same

You think you are creating a equal environment, but really you are killing the motivating force of people who want to perform at high levels and want extra perks for doing so.

Myth #4: I'm the boss, I'm always right

The worst technique ever for motivating or managing a team. This does not cause motivation but anarchy with your teams. If you were on a ship, they would walk you to the end of the plank and throw you into the ocean.

Myth #5: Carrots and Sticks

Carrots many times motivate action, but usually cause poor quality. And pulling out a stick to beat them with it if they don't get the carrot, even worse.

Myth #6: Pay is the Pay Off

Raises in salary and bonuses may be good, but will only motivate for a period of time, followed by a lack of motivation when they don't see another increase or a bigger bonus. Just spend some time with your teams and understand their life and business goals. Helping them accomplish those will truly motivate them 10 times more than an increase of pay and will surely last longer.

Myth #7: Cut them down, build them up

I can't believe people even thinks this motivates, this causes hatred. Have you ever performed amazingly when you are angry or made the best decisions when your are mad, not even close.

To truly motivate your teams in business or in the athletic arena make sure you are not using one or more of the above techniques especially if you want to motivate in a way that drives consistent performance and quality.

My next blog post will cover four ways to truly motivate people and teams.