Why Emotional Intelligence is the Most Valuable Currency in Business, Part 6

Motivation: What Pushes You

For the last few weeks, we’ve been looking at the multi-faceted concept of Emotional Intelligence.  While we use IQ to define a person’s cognitive ability, we look at EQ to measure their emotional ability… reactions, responses, interactions, connections and behaviors with others.  It is in the murky and misconstrued facets of Emotional Intelligence that we find the real triggers for what people feel, say and do.  While some might not be willing to admit or accept, it is safe to say that human behavior is far more driven by emotion than it is by logical, rational thought.

Our emotion-related behaviors span 15 core qualities including:  self-awareness, empathy, social skills, self-control, motivation, managing emotions, internal motivation, customer relationship management, asking questions, leadership, strong communication skills, showing genuine interest in others, and learning.  How well we perform in these areas comprises our EQ.  And our EQ has a big impact on our personal and professional success.  Thus, understanding, measuring and improving one’s EQ is both vital and complicated.

That said, there is one area of EQ that serves as the lynchpin behind most actions and serves as the foundation for success:  namely motivation.  Surely no one who ever won a Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal, Academy Award, Michelin Star or a Congressional Gold Medal lacked motivation.  And yet, just the mention of the word ‘motivation’ conjures a host of questions.  What exactly is motivation?  Where does it come from and how does it differ from drive?  Why does the thing that motivates one person not motivate another person?  Can motivation be increased / strengthened, like a muscle, or is it a trait that is set and fixed from birth, like eye color?  At work, can any employee be motivated to be more efficient and effective?  What about more creative or innovative?  Can a person increase their own motivation?  If so, how?  Let’s dive into this critically important but often misunderstood precursor of human behavior.

Defining Motivation vs. Drive

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of motivation is: “the willingness to do something, or something that causes willingness.”  Motivation isn’t simply a desire to get things done. It’s the “why” behind our actions, the internal spark that ignites our drive and propels us forward.  Motivation is not just something born within. There are actually two sources of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic motivation arises from within. We are driven by a desire for personal satisfaction, mastery, or growth. The joy of learning a new skill, the satisfaction of completing a challenging task, or the inherent pleasure of creating something beautiful are all examples of intrinsic motivation.

Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or avoiding punishment. Getting a good grade, receiving a promotion, or the fear of failure are all examples of extrinsic motivation.

While both types of motivation play a role in our lives, intrinsic motivation is generally considered more sustainable and leads to greater long-term success and well-being.  That’s probably because extrinsic motivation relies on things that may not be sustainable.

However, motivation is not synonymous with drive. Drive is defined as: “a planned effort to achieve something.”  When a person sets a goal in life — whether it’s landing a big job, running a marathon, or buying a home – the spark to start working toward that goal is motivation.  Motivation, that willingness to attempt something, sometimes comes from a personal desire.  Other times, it is being done for someone else’s good or the greater good.  Whatever the case, it’s the starting point for wanting to hit a target.   Drive, in turn, is action-oriented and fueled by commitment.  It’s the energy and intensity with which we pursue goals.  It keeps one going even if motivation’s spark goes out. 

Why are there Individual Differences in Motivation?

What motivates one person might leave another completely uninspired.  Why?  Because what motivates each person varies.  The question of why individuals respond differently to the same motivators is a fascinating one.  Our individual motivations are shaped by a complex interplay of factors:

• Values and Beliefs – Our core values and beliefs influence what we find important and worth striving for.
• Personality Traits – People with a high level of conscientiousness are naturally more driven to achieve goals, while those with openness to experiences might be more motivated by novelty and exploration.
• Life Experiences – Past successes and failures, along with our upbringing and cultural background, all contribute to shaping what motivates us.

Someone who values autonomy might be demotivated by micromanagement, while another who thrives on structure might find it empowering. Understanding these individual differences is crucial for leaders and anyone who wants to effectively motivate others.  But the really good news is that motivation is not a fixed trait. There are strategies we can employ to boost our own motivation and help others stay engaged.

Motivate Thyself

Here are some things you can do to help ignite your own spark of motivation.

• Set SMART Goals – Setting clear, specific, and achievable goals provides a sense of direction and purpose. It also allows one to track progress and celebrate milestones, further fueling motivation. Small wins set off motivation sparks.
• Get Positive Reinforcement – Recognizing and rewarding desired behaviors reinforces motivation and encourages repetition. This can be as simple as verbal praise or offering opportunities for growth and development.
• Gain Autonomy and Take Ownership – Giving oneself a sense of control over work increases motivation. This can come from getting involved in the decision-making processes or seeking autonomy in how tasks are done.
• Be in a Positive Work Environment: A supportive and collaborative work environment fosters intrinsic motivation. This includes fostering open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and providing opportunities for learning and development.

Motivate Teams for Success

Leaders can also play a crucial role in motivating staff. Here’s how they can create a work environment that fosters efficiency and effectiveness.

• Understand Individual Needs – Leaders who take the time to understand what motivates each team member can tailor their approach to leverage their strengths and interests.
• Set a Clear Vision – A compelling vision provides a sense of purpose and direction for the team. When employees understand the bigger picture and their role within it, they’re more motivated to contribute.
• Provide Regular Feedback and Recognition – Provide timely and constructive feedback to help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Public recognition for achievements further fuels motivation.

Sparking Creativity: Can We Be Motivated to Be Innovative?

It is possible to motivate employees to be more efficient and effective.  But can they also be motivated to be more creative and innovative?  Absolutely! Intrinsic motivation is a powerful driver of creativity. Fostering a culture that encourages exploration, experimentation, and risk-taking can lead to a surge in innovative ideas. Additionally, providing resources and support for creative pursuits can further fuel the fire.  This can either be done by an individual or a team leader.

• Clarify Values – Understanding core values can act as a compass, guiding decisions and fueling intrinsic motivation. The question to ask: what’s truly important to me? What kind of impact do I want to make?
• Find Inspiration – Surround yourself with positive and inspiring people, mentors, or role models. Their passion can be contagious.
• Reward Yourself – Positive reinforcement strengthens desired behaviors.
• Support Empowerment – Give colleagues / coworkers autonomy and ownership over their tasks. People are more motivated when they feel in control.
• Nurture a Supportive Environment: Create a safe space for open communication and collaboration. Feeling valued and supported fosters motivation.
• Do Meaningful Work – Connect individual tasks to the broader organizational goals. Help yourself or others understand how the work contributes to a larger purpose.
• Create Growth Opportunities – Provide opportunities for learning and development. People are motivated by the chance to grow and challenge themselves.

To validate if these tips truly do enhance motivation, let’s consider what the most brilliant and successful people have said is their source of motivation.  Is there a common theme in what motivates those who achieve greatness? While there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all answer, successful people have said that they draw inspiration from a few key sources:

Example 1 – Elon Musk’s Purpose and Passion

A strong sense of purpose is a common motivator.  This could be a desire to make a positive impact, solve a problem they care about, or simply create something meaningful.  Case in point.  Elon Musk, the hugely successful entrepreneur who has revolutionized multiple industries with companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has said often that his main motivation comes from a burning desire to solve existential problems for humanity.  He’s public about his concerns about climate change and the limitations of Earth’s resources, which is a big driver behind Tesla’s focus on electric vehicles and sustainable energy. Similarly, SpaceX is driven by his goal of making humanity a multi-planetary species, ensuring long-term survival by establishing a human colony on Mars.  His sense of purpose fuels his relentless drive and innovation, making him a prime example of someone achieving great things because of a desire to create something meaningful.

Example 2 – Marie Curie’s Internal Drive

While external rewards like money or fame can be motivating factors, often it’s the internal satisfaction of achievement that gets and keeps successful people going. They enjoy the process of learning, growing, and overcoming challenges.  Case in point.  Marie Curie, the pioneering physicist and chemist, is a great example of someone driven by an internal sense of satisfaction and growth. Throughout her groundbreaking research on radioactivity, Curie wasn’t primarily motivated by external rewards like fame or fortune.  Her passion for scientific discovery was evident in her relentless pursuit of knowledge. She said, “One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.” She was always focused on the continuous journey of learning and uncovering new knowledge, rather than seeking recognition for past achievements.  Curie’s dedication went beyond just scientific curiosity. She found deep satisfaction in the process of experimentation and achieving results. Despite facing immense challenges, she persevered because of the inherent reward of pushing boundaries and achieving scientific breakthroughs.  She famously conducted research in a rudimentary lab with limited resources.

Being able to ignite one’s own motivators or those of others is half the battle of getting things done.  Understanding how to tap into motivation may just be the most valuable skill anyone can have.

Quote of the Week

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz

© 2024, Keren Peters-Atkinson. All rights reserved.

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