Transcript of a Blair Singer talk (YouTube) describing three levels of motivation based on his 30+ years of experience: (1) carrot-and-stick punishment/reward (ineffective long-term), (2) external/basic-needs motivation (works only until needs are met), and (3) internal motivation (presented as the most effective). The speaker emphasizes internal motivation as the best for lasting engagement.
After over 30 years of trying to figure out what really motivates people the best in my own businesses, in teaching in countries all over the world, it boils down to three things, the first two of which really don't work that well. First level of motivation is the classic carrot and stick punishment reward. Okay, we know my experience and lots of studies have shown that that just does not work long term, per particularly in this day and age with the generations that are in the workplace. Number two level of motivation is when somebody is external motivation, when somebody's basic needs are handled like they need money, they need lifestyle, they need shelter. And that works only to the degree until that want that they have is satisfied. Now they're bored again, now they're lethargic again, now they're looking for something else. So the third level of motivation, which is absolutely the best is internal motivation, where something.