This post has been adapted from the Leadership Freak blog. It was originally written by Dan Rockwell.
Young leaders frequently ask me to explain motivation techniques because they work with unmotivated employees or volunteers. We discuss carrots (rewards) and sticks (punishments) as motivational tools. In addition, we discuss the power of progress and advancement opportunities as motivational techniques. However, I’m taking a different path today. Let’s take a stroll down the dark side of motivation by exploring de-motivators.
Actions without why’s demotivate. Humans need higher purpose. For example, higher purpose motivates parents to work long hours in order to provide for their children. Without purpose long hours are meaningless. Furthermore, people who don’t understand the greater significance of their tasks, job or even life lose passion.
Distrust demotivates. I’ve heard people complain they were promised an opportunity that never materialized. Or, consider this complaint “s/he took credit for my work.” Unethical leaders quickly let the steam out of motivated individuals.
Moving targets demotivate. People working to achieve performance objectives that unexpectedly shift may feel their motivational fire cooling.
Ambiguous or unattainable goals demotivate. It’s true that setting goals that are just out of reach can fan a person’s enthusiasm. But if you set the goal too far out of reach they’ll give up.
Favoritism demotivates. This ugly problem can emerge in any situation. Anyone who is promoted to a position where they manage teams that include personal friends can experience the negative impact of perceived favoritism.
Under appreciation demotivates. People who don’t feel understood and appreciated for their efforts gradually lose fervor.
One-way communication demotivates. Receiving messages from on high without participation in the process makes people feel they don’t matter. When we don’t matter our performance doesn’t matter either.
It’s too easy to demotivate people. One powerful motivation technique is eliminating demotivators.
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