How Do You Motivate People?

Satisfiers (Motivators)

Herzberg and other researchers have also discovered a set of factors that are considered "satisfiers" or "motivators." Assuming the hygiene factors are being satisfactorily met, these factors are what truly inspire and motivate employees:

1. Achievement: Employees need to have a sense of achievement, that they are accomplishing something that matters.
2. Recognition: People desire to be appreciated and recognized for their contributions.
3. Work Itself: The work should be meaningful, interesting and challenging for the employee to perform and feel motivated.
4. Responsibility: Employees must hold themselves responsible for the work. Supervisors should give them ownership of the work and minimize control but retain accountability.
5. Advancement: Employees should feel that by excelling in their work, they have the opportunity to advance in responsibilities and into other positions that they find appealing.
6. Growth: Employees should feel they have opportunities to grow their skills and develop as value-added members of the organization.

External rewards do have their place and can help motivate under some circumstances. But what is interesting about the above list is that these are not external-reward-driven, but involve intrinsic elements that can be cultivated by intentional job enrichment and motivational management practices.