Motivation in Perspective

The starting point of all achievement is desire, according to Napoleon Hill. However, America seems confused about motivation, often relying on charismatic leaders to fire up the troops. But enlightened motivation is more structural than personal, built on trust and not just charisma. It requires developing a comfort level, delegation, training, and a sense of individual importance. Leaders should consider the opportunity to motivate by being absent and allowing capable individuals to step up and take the lead. Passing along the torch of responsibility is a top motivator, and periodic absences have little impact on well-developed organizations. The responsibility of the leader is to create an environment where employees can motivate themselves, founded on trust, mutual respect, and fair play. In annual reviews, it is not uncommon for employees to claim that they are not being motivated. However, leaders have a responsibility to create an environment in which employees can self-motivate. The employer-employee relationship must be based on trust and mutual respect, and the leader's role is to set a motivational table where individuals can feed themselves. Leaders should not accept the burden of motivating each individual directly but rather ensure that the organization provides the necessary nourishment for self-motivation. To lead is a responsibility, but to babysit is not.