Although there are over 20 theories of motivation, some including intrinsic motivation, incentivizing, needs theory, etc. The reality is that motivation comes down to the reasons a person has for acting out with a particular behavior in a particular way for a certain means. We may hear a commanding speech, a heartfelt compassionate plead that tugs at our heart, or a rally cry. All of these may be motivating. Many times the motivating intent leads to a demotivating action. Think of the time when the boss tries to rally his troops to move forward. In his/her attempt they uncannily make people feel bad because they haven't met the expectations of the leader. This typically is caused because standards and expectations were not clearly defined or accountability was not a system that was widely enforced. Many times employees or team members are released from their duties (fired) or moved on to another department, not because they couldn't follow directions or were not motivated, it may be due to lack of those expectations and no accountability. However, the leader feels they were not...

motivated because the rally cry was given and no changes were identified. So what really is lacking for people when motivation seems to have a short lifespan, so short that the inspiration eclipses the individuals total actions for just a moment in time before the old actions seem to dominate the landscape?  
I submit to you that motivation is just the candy bar or dessert and not the meal. I would submit that motivation is secondary and should never be the first weapon in the war of mediocrity! I believe that when motivation is used as the sole change agent the end results is minimal, if any. For an ego-centric leader they feel that their troops are "not on the same page" and need some threats that typically come in a passive nature. They band their brothers around the notion of work harder, and if you don't you are telling me you are not interested in being part of the team. Now sometimes this is the case, however it comes down to the theory that when a person is fired it is a direct reflection of the manager who hired them.  There was something you saw in that person that made you believe in them to get them on the bus and sitting in the right seat. Perhaps their poor work ethic is a habit created from their experience with you... or a bad habit from prior experiences that you 'had' the ability to change. Perhaps the day you let them go you need to take a hard look in the mirror and say is this person a poor worker because of my lack, because of what I didn't offer, or are they really that 'bad' of a worker? If it is the latter then you need to make the changes in you.

So in my submission that motivation is just the dessert, then what is the meal? My core belief is that inspiration is the meal. One of the most descriptive and beautiful definitions of inspiration is "the drawing in of breath; inhalation". Inspiration as a verb is being filled with that urge to do something, to create something. Think of it in the inhalation aspect: air is brought in from the outside world through the nose and mouth and then oxygenates your blood. This is mandatory to sustain life. That breathe creates life!

• Inhalation sustains health. Inspiration sustains health.
• Inhalation creates life. Inspiration creates life.
• Without inhalation, death occurs. Without inspiration, death occurs.

Inspiration is the key to life of an organization. When individuals are inspired it is because they have began to take ownership. They know that what they do individually adds true value to the organization. They understand the power of synergy and the concept that one can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight. They realize that they are part of the team and the team & organization needs them. They realize through inspiration they are part of a symbiotic relationship.

Coaching Moment:

Are you simply a motivator or an inspirer? Do you know and recognize the difference?

If you need help understand the difference and looking to find ways to inspire your team contact me, I would love to help and offer suggestions to you for your specific situation, not just generic ideas!