SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
Extrinsic motivation, like salary and rewards, fuels performance and satisfaction. Yet, intrinsic motivation—the driving force behind our actions—powers our quest for greatness, even in tough times.
Link copied
Extrinsic motivation is a key player in leadership dynamics. We're talking about addressing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs—think salary, conditions, bonuses, rewards, and recognition—all the good stuff that shows people they're valued.
These external factors can definitely rev up performance and satisfaction levels, no doubt about it. But they're not the only things keeping the motivation train chugging along.
At its core, motivation is the driving force behind our actions. That spark gets us out of bed each morning, fueling our quest for greatness, even when the going gets tough.
So what makes you tick, what is motivation in psychology, and how do you keep that motivational fire burning bright? Let’s dive in…
The American Psychological Association’s definition of motivation in psychology says it as the driving force behind our behaviors, operating at both conscious and subconscious levels.
However, in more relatable terms, motivation psychology examines how various factors—biological, psychological, and environmental—interact to influence an individual's level of motivation. Keep reading to explore further insights into the psychology of motivation and emotion.
Understanding these can help you better motivate your employees:
Motivation psychology digs into how our thoughts, feelings, and social factors drive us to reach our goals. It looks at two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation comes from inside, like when we do something because we enjoy it. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside, like when we're rewarded for doing something.
Understanding these motivators helps psychologists figure out why we do what we do and how we can stay motivated.
Being motivated means we're ready to take action. We're either pushed by a motive inside us or pulled by a goal or reward we want to achieve.
Goals guide our actions, and incentives push us toward them. Emotions also play a big part in motivating us, helping us adapt to changes in our environment.
Share your vision and let your team know what you want to achieve for the business.
This gets everyone excited to work together for success.
Plus, set clear goals that match your vision so everyone can see their progress and feel proud of their accomplishments.
When everyone's aligned and knows what they're working towards, it boosts productivity and makes people feel appreciated and motivated.
When teams feel stuck or need more motivation, it's important to let them find their own solutions. Trusting your team, believing in their skills, and giving them challenging tasks can help them grow and feel more confident.
But don't just give them tasks and leave them to struggle—support them along the way.
It's important to deal with poor performers promptly. This is a key tip for keeping motivation high at work. Your team probably knows who's not pulling their weight, and if you don't take action, it can affect morale.
Swiftly addressing poor performance shows you're serious about maintaining standards and boosts your credibility as a leader.
It's important to be kind, but don't shy away from challenging ideas. Giving helpful feedback is a vital skill for leaders. Of course, treating your team with kindness and understanding their feelings is crucial.
But it's also important to address areas where improvement is needed. Ignoring these issues can affect the whole team and even impact the person's own motivation.
The office environment plays a big role in how we feel and work. Employees who are happy and healthy are more likely to be motivated and creative.
Make the office a place where people enjoy being. Think about things like privacy, noise levels, fresh air, and natural light.
Create spaces where people can relax and feel comfortable.
Promote healthy habits by providing nutritious snacks and opportunities for exercise, like gym memberships or team workouts. This helps keep everyone feeling their best and ready to tackle their tasks.
Give your team chances to grow. Employees feel more valuable and motivated when they learn new skills and improve. Provide opportunities that fit each person, like extra training or challenging goals.
You can also mentor someone or let them shadow you to learn. Investing in your team's development shows you care about their success and helps them achieve great results.
Curiosity leads to new ideas and ways of doing things. Let your employees explore topics they're interested in. It'll add depth to their work and boost their understanding of their roles.
Get your team involved in activities that bring them together. Team-building events build friendships and keep everyone motivated. When team members work together outside of their usual tasks, they bond in special ways.
This makes them more likely to cooperate during work.
Choose activities that match your team's interests. It could be a book club, a quiz night, or virtual escape rooms for remote teams. The important thing is to pick something everyone can enjoy and join in.
Human motivation is rooted in the complex interactions of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. One key player is dopamine, known as the "feel-good" chemical, which drives reward-driven behavior.
When we set and accomplish goals, dopamine is released, making us feel satisfied and happy. This neurological reward system is a strong motivator, spurring us on to reach success.
If you're looking for ways to motivate and strengthen your team, learning from those with experience is helpful. Speaker Agency can connect you with experts who can share valuable insights on this topic. Reach out to us for more information!
Contact us
After Dinner Speakers
Contents
