The Power of Culture Over Motivation

I met recently with a young leader. She asked me: “How do you motivate people?”

After pretending to scratch my mythical beard, this is what I said to her:

“I don’t believe in motivating people. People are naturally motivated to give of their best if they totally dig the values, culture and mission of your company. Don’t waste your time trying to motivate people. Motivation is mostly a recruitment decision.”

If people don’t thoroughly buy into your company’s vision or culture, set them free so they can find the right tribe for them.

Then double down on your recruitment process.

And be very careful in the hiring lest you end up being careless in the firing.