What exactly is motivation, anyway?

I answered a question today on LinkedIn in which someone asked about tricks to motivate people, and how to create and boost motivation. Have to admit I was a little dismayed with the question itself, as it reflects a too-common mindset that motivation is something we do to people. I keep wondering how long this idea will continue?

Here is a little of what I wrote:

I take issue with a lot of what's written out there about motivating people. A lot of it is manipulative and designed to make it easy on the manager by using tricks and techniques better suited for rats in a maze than human beings. More like what you see in Dilbert cartoons. What managers forget or often purposely avoid is the significance of interpersonal behavior...their behavior...in motivating employees.

First of all, we don't motivate, we inspire. I really believe this. We may inspire motivation, and in fact we better! Motivation is intrinsic, and we can provide the environment that inspires and reinforces internal motivation, or just the opposite. It depends on what the manager does.Much has been made of the research that shows people quit their manager, not their company, and one contributer above alludes to that in suggesting that the manager-employee relationship is an essential component in motivation. I agree. It begins with the manager. Assuming you're the manager here, do you have the desire and the skills to develop relationships with your people? If not, forget about their motivation.

Develop a vision for your employees, whether it's an entire company, a division or even a work group. Communicate it constantly. Take the time to understand individual work style and discover what motivates them in general. This requires close observation and careful listening, two of a manager's most-needed skills. Know precisely what work product is required and communicate that. Decide the type of environment you want and make that clear. Find out what type of recognition creates a positive work response and follow-through religiously. Consistency in these areas is essential, as is your commitment to walking your own talk.

These are steps in building belief in your people, both you in them and them in you. This will develop internal motivation to perform, i.e., their behavior will follow their belief. What you've done now is develop a culture that inspires people to accomplishment. The motivation comes from within because they want to achieve. I'm convinced this is applicable in any work situation and any economic condition. I would argue that in today's economy it's more important than ever. No tricks involved.

Well, that's actually a lot of what I said, not a little. But I wanted to post this in both places because I feel strongly we need to change our perspective on motivation in general and what it means to motivate someone else. On a personal level, I look for inspiration to motivate me to certain actions. Motivation must come from within, however, inspiration is external and can come from other people, certain experiences we have, books we read or even music we listen to. We can be a source of inspiration to others, and whether it's as a manager, as a friend or as a parent, I think it's something to which we should all aspire.