The performance of employees dropped last month.
Without hesitation, the manager said that the cause is lack of motivation. And everyone nodded in agreement.
Lack of motivation is the safest alibi. It is safer to say that people lack motivation than to say that the leader lacks the skill to lead. It is easier to say that employees need a tap on the back than to say that managers need to set a clear and compelling direction.
A headless chicken is motivated. But a headless chicken gets to nowhere. A motivated employee will not be able to perform better without the benefit of able leadership.
Before you make your next attempt to motivate your people, check your leadership. A very motivated employee will not perform well under an incompetent leader.
Motivation is necessary for performance. However, it is always overestimated.
Jef Menguin
