1. The Motivation Buzz: Why It’s Overrated
Motivation is everywhere. From leadership seminars to self-help shelves, we’re told to motivate our teams, motivate ourselves, motivate others. But here’s a better question: Do people really lack motivation? Or do they lack clarity on what truly drives them?
In our experience, people are already motivated—just not always in ways that match our expectations. Instead of pushing harder, let’s pivot: understand what fuels people naturally, and create an environment that allows them to tap into that energy.
And there’s a simple, powerful way to do it: The Wheel of Motivation.
2. Understanding Motivators: The Key to Real Engagement
What if, instead of nudging people to be more motivated, we helped them discover what already energizes them?
Everyone has a unique set of motivators—the sparks that ignite their best performance. For some, it’s recognition. For others, it’s autonomy, personal growth, or teamwork. Yet many of us haven’t taken the time to explore what truly fuels us—or the people we work with.
That’s where the Wheel of Motivation comes in.
3. The Wheel of Motivation: A Simple Way to Discover What Drives Us
The Wheel of Motivation is a practical tool for individuals and teams to uncover and reflect on their key drivers. Here’s how to use it:
How to Use the Wheel of Motivation:
- Identify Your Motivators – List 6–8 elements that truly drive you (e.g., recognition, creativity, autonomy, financial reward, mastery).
- Draw the Wheel – Create a circle with spokes, assigning one motivator per spoke.
- Rate Your Satisfaction – Score each motivator from 0 (not fulfilled) to 10 (fully satisfied).
- Connect the Dots – Link your scores to form a shape. The smoother the wheel, the more balanced your motivation.
- Spot the Gaps – Which areas need more attention or support?
- Take Action – What small changes could lift your low-scoring motivators?
This simple exercise brings immediate clarity and replaces motivation gimmicks with insight-driven strategy.
4. Why Traditional Motivation Tactics Fail
Most corporate motivation strategies fall flat because they’re too generic. Common misfires include:
❌ Bonuses and incentives – Great only if money is a key motivator
❌ Pep talks – Uplifting in the moment, but rarely transformative
❌ Team-building games – Miss the mark if collaboration isn’t what drives someone
The fix? Personalize your approach. Don’t guess—ask. Then act accordingly.
For example, if someone values autonomy, give them space to own their work. If recognition is what matters most, a public thank-you might mean more than a raise.
5. What Leaders Should Do Instead
Instead of “motivating” others, effective leaders:
✔ Help people uncover their motivators using the Wheel of Motivation
✔ Create conditions that nurture those drivers—from independence to mastery to connection
✔ Check in regularly, and adjust work dynamics based on what truly matters
6. Conclusion: Motivation Is Already There—You Just Need to Unlock It
Next time you feel the urge to “motivate” someone, pause.
Instead, help them explore what already drives them—and build around that.
By using tools like the Wheel of Motivation, we shift from forcing engagement to unlocking natural energy. That’s where sustainable success begins.
Ready to try this with your team? A few minutes, a pen, and the right questions might be all it takes to unlock fresh energy and engagement.
If you’re interested in understanding what drives you, your team, and your culture on a deeper level, explore our Cultural Compass—a practical tool to surface the motivators that matter most.