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For most with organizational development backgrounds-either in theory or in practice-the carrot/stick approach rings in our head as soon as the discussion of motivation comes up.

Managers have their styles, I suppose. One manager believes motivation is about finding the right sized stick, the other one searches for the most tempting carrot. My guess is that real motivation lies in the way one uses whatever one knows best. But the shade of gray so seldom mentioned in such discussions has to do with authority.

Motivation should be derived neither from punishing nor from people-pleasing employees. Instead, it must be an outgrowth of manager influence, a manager's authority.

Ever try calling a customer service desk about a purchase and you keep getting bumped up the supervisory ladder until you find the manager with the right authority to say yes? Organizational motivation is akin to that experience. Managers hold positions of leadership.
Leaders influence by example. Examples motivate company stars to look for ways to imitate their managers.

Ever work for a manager who knew less about operational procedures than you? How motivated did you feel whenever an issue surfaced? A little let down? The proverb says that one can not lead where one does not go. Nor can one teach what one does not know.

So while managers read, or listen to, or watch motivation instructional material, it is important that they eventually get their feet wet. Managers have got to tread the waters. Perhaps make a few mistakes of their own as an authority figure in order to hone personal skills for leadership.

What I am saying here is that it is the human element that motivates more so than any other stylistic approach. Writers have a saying. Show, don't tell, as the adage goes. Managers seeking to motivate their team would do well to listen to the advise.

While learning the business, employees are motivated best when an issue surfaces and the manager can take charge, can take control and can take the leadership role. That is how a manager passes the confidence and the wherewithal to think on one's feet to those watching.

Managers must begin to perceive motivation in this very clear light. When managers come to this realization, motivating team members will fall in place in and of itself.

Learn more about this author, Pat Dowdy.
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