Are You Lying to your Horse?

Motivation and performance in the workplace have been the subject of extensive research, yet a comprehensive understanding of their complexities remains elusive. While many organizations recognize the importance of motivation in driving employee performance, a significant number still approach motivation through simplistic, linear models that fail to capture its depth. Traditional methods, such as annual performance reviews with occasional praise or monetary bonuses, may have some impact, but they are often insufficient in fostering long-term employee engagement and sustained productivity. The relationship between motivation and performance is intricate, requiring a more nuanced and strategic approach from organizations. Motivation plays a crucial role in organizational sustainability. When employees are motivated, they exhibit higher levels of productivity, creativity, and commitment, all of which contribute to an organization’s long-term success (Ryan & Deci, 2000) and sustainability. However, many organizations continue to rely on outdated methods that focus primarily on the provision of extrinsic rewards. While financial incentives, such as salary increases and bonuses, can have a positive impact, research indicates that their effect on motivation is often temporary (Deci, Koestner, & Ryan, 1999). Once the external reward is removed, motivation levels tend to return to their previous state, highlighting the limitations of this approach. In contrast, organizations, and more specifically managers who have invested in fostering an environment that develops genuine engagement and trust, thus increasing motivation within their teams, have recognized the importance of intrinsic rewards. Intrinsic motivation, which arises from within the individual, is driven by factors such as personal growth, job satisfaction, and a sense of purpose (Pink, 2009). Employees who find meaning in their work and feel a sense of autonomy are often more engaged and perform better than those who are solely motivated by external incentives. This aligns with Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes the role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering motivation (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Moreover, this also is consistent with the philosophy of Management as a Liberal Art which highlights the importance of independent decision-making. Despite the emphasis on extrinsic rewards, research suggests that human beings are only driven by them to a certain extent. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory (1959) highlights this by distinguishing between hygiene factors (such as salary and job security) and motivators (such as achievement and recognition). While hygiene factors can prevent dissatisfaction, they do not necessarily lead to increased motivation. Instead, true motivation stems from intrinsic factors that align with an individual's values, aspirations, and personal goals. Not every employee seeks to climb the corporate ladder; some may find fulfillment in mastering a specific skill, contributing to a meaningful project, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a result, managers must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and develop a deeper understanding of the psychology behind motivation. Recognizing individual differences and tailoring motivation strategies to align with employees’ unique needs can lead to greater job satisfaction and improved performance (Gagné & Deci, 2005). This means fostering a work environment that promotes autonomy, provides opportunities for growth, and acknowledges employees’ contributions in meaningful ways. Organizations should also consider the long-term implications of their motivation strategies. Rather than merely offering short-term incentives, they should invest in creating a workplace culture that values intrinsic motivation. This can be achieved through leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities, and fostering a sense of community within the organization. When employees feel valued and supported (and listened to), their motivation is more likely to be sustained, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organization as a whole. One effective strategy is providing employees with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Organizations can offer training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement to help employees acquire new skills and expand their expertise. When employees see that their company is invested in their growth, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their work. Furthermore, providing employees with challenging yet attainable goals can foster a sense of accomplishment and reinforce their intrinsic motivation. Additionally, fostering a culture of recognition and meaningful feedback is essential. While monetary rewards can provide temporary satisfaction, genuine appreciation and acknowledgment of employees' contributions create a lasting impact. Managers can implement regular check-ins, peer recognition programs, and public acknowledgments of achievements to make employees feel valued. When employees receive positive reinforcement for their efforts, they are more likely to stay motivated and take pride in their work.  While financial incentives and extrinsic rewards have their place in workplace motivation, they are not a panacea for enhancing performance. Motivation is a complex and deeply personal phenomenon that requires organizations to adopt a more holistic approach. By understanding the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and recognizing the unique aspirations of employees, organizations can create an environment that fosters sustained motivation and long-term success. Investing in the psychological and professional well-being of employees is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for organizational sustainability. References Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125(6), 627-668. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media. Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362. Herzberg, F. (1959). The Motivation to Work. John Wiley & Sons. Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us. Riverhead Books. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.

In 1995 Daniel Goleman published a groundbreaking book which introduced the leadership/management discipline to emotional intelligence.The book is Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more that IQ (Bantam 1995). Over the last 30 years more than 20 book and hundreds of papers have been published on emotional intelligence (abbreviated as EQ) extolling its effectiveness as a leadership concept. Many of the books were authored by Goleman with his co-writers Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee. Given the current political climate in the United States and the world, the concept of EQ may be even more relevant today than it was 30 years ago. EQ shows an incontrovertible link between a leader’s emotional maturity and their performance as a leader. In the words of Daniel Goleman, “The research on EQ shows that the ‘good guys’—emotionally intelligent men and women—finish first” (Goleman, et al. p.169. 2001). Just as Peter Drucker’s insistence on self-knowledge and the knowing of one’s strengths and weaknesses is the starting point in his essay, Managing Oneself (1999), EQ starts with knowing yourself, including your weaknesses and strengths, and especially your emotions. Drucker also talked about values and manners. Manners is all about people working in close contact with each other and therefore naturally causing friction. He said that workers must be able to cooperate and treat each other with courtesy and respect. In order to do this, they must look inward to make sure they use words like thank-you and please and they know their co-workers’ names and even the names of their family members. He didn’t specifically use the word emotions but was writing about a basic form of emotional intelligence. Goleman, et al. (2001) lists the four components of emotional intelligence in action: 1. Self-awareness: The ability to read your own emotions. Knowing how your moods are affecting others. 2. Self-management: The ability to control your emotions. Don’t let bad moods seize the day; leave them outside the office. 3. Social awareness: The ability to sense other people’s emotions and show that they care. Understand how your words and actions affect other people and be able to change them when their impact is negative. 4. Relationship-management: The ability to build strong personal bonds and use these skills to spread their enthusiasm and solve disagreements, often with humor and kindness. It should be noted that Diamantidou et al. (2024) found a strong link between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership that translates to a positive organizational culture and thus increased organizational effectiveness. In late 2024, Pixar released an animated movie, Inside Out 2. It is a sequel to the movie Inside Out. It is already the highest grossing animated movie in history. The movie is based on emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman praised the movie and said, it is clever and moves the field of social-emotional learning forward. The leadership literature cites many examples of the value of using films to teach leadership. Wiliams (2006) posits that because films are memorable and a catalyst for thought and discussion, there is always rich dialogue generated, and a better understanding of the concept being taught after watching the movie. The characters in the movie are Riley (the human) and Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Anxiety (the emotions). Chatbot (2024) explains that watching the movie can help leaders by dramatically showing how emotions influence both personal and social interactions. The movie also depicts such emotional intelligence concepts as self-awareness, self-management, building empathy, the power of vulnerability, leading by example, and the benefits of transparency. REFERENCES: Chatbot, H. How Inside Out 2 Can Improve Your Leadership Skills. Entrepreneurial Leadership. July 30, 2024. Diamantidou, V., Kaitelidou, D., Kalakairinou-Anagnostopoulou, A., and Galanis, P. Organizational Culture, Transformational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. Journal of International Caring Services Vol. 17 (2). May/August 2024. 1190-1196. Drucker, P. Managing Oneself. (1999) In HBR book, On Managing Yourself. pp. 13-32. Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., and McKee, A. (2001). Primal Leadership: The Hidden Driver of Great Performance. In HBR book, On Managing Yourself. pp. 169-188. Wiliams, J. Pirates and Power: What Captain Jack Sparrow, His Friends, and His Foes Can Teach Us About Power Bases. Journal of Leadership Education Vol. 5 (2). Fall 2006.