Power-Up Your Leadership: Combining Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation with Confidence and Charisma
“Extrinsic motivation will only get you so far, but intrinsic motivation will make you all the way.”
Welcome to our latest newsletter! In this edition, we will explore the essential role of strategic leadership in guiding teams toward success. As a seasoned professional, I've learned that effective leadership involves choosing the right approach to motivate and inspire others toward achieving goals and objectives.
Recently, I had a fascinating chat with a colleague about intrinsic and extrinsic leadership styles and when each would be applicable. Intrinsic leadership comes from within, while extrinsic leadership is driven by external rewards. The key difference between these approaches lies in the focus of the leader, and a strategic leader must be aware and intentional when selecting the best leadership style for their team.
Balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivators is critical in fostering a culture of growth and success. While external rewards can be useful in achieving short-term goals (who doesn't love a good bonus?), tapping into the internal motivation of team members is essential for long-term engagement and commitment. As a strategic leader, it's crucial to understand your team's needs to tailor your approach accordingly and guide them toward achieving their desired outcomes.
Intrinsic leadership is a powerful approach that comes from an individual's internal values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. It's particularly effective in situations that require creativity, innovation, and personal investment. By focusing on intrinsic motivation, leaders provide autonomy and support that allows team members to contribute their full potential, resulting in higher productivity and greater job satisfaction.
I firmly believe that intrinsic motivation should be at the core of any leadership style. People are more productive and engaged when they feel a sense of ownership and control over their work, working towards something that truly matters to them. It is a leader’s responsibility to provide the necessary support and resources that enable others to reach their full potential.
On the other hand, extrinsic leadership is focused on external rewards, like promotions, bonuses, and public recognition. While these incentives can be effective in achieving short-term goals, they may not promote growth or intrinsic motivation. This approach may lead to burnout or disengagement if used exclusively.
As a leader, it's crucial to balance both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to create a culture of sustainable growth and success. Below are some strategies that can be used to leverage both types of motivation in others:
Communicating a clear vision that aligns with personal goals and values
Setting realistic goals and providing ongoing feedback to optimize success and promote professional growth
Empowering people to take ownership of their work and create a sense of purpose
Offering recognition and rewards for meeting performance targets
Creating a positive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, contribution, and overall success.
By recognizing the strengths and limitations of various leadership styles, leaders can create a balanced work environment that leverages the talent of others to achieve optimal results. The key is to select an approach that motivates and inspires people toward their goals, using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. As a leader, you can foster a culture of excellence and drive your team towards greater achievements. Happy leading!
“Extrinsic rewards will drive effort, but intrinsic rewards will drive passion. ”
Workshop: Join the waitlist for our upcoming Mastery Class: Mastering Self where we will focus on the building blocks to setting ambitious goals grounded in your values, and how creativity and powerful routines can help you achieve success. 💻
Book: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink - Book
Book: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: What's the Difference? by Verywell Mind - Book
Video: The Puzzle of Motivation by Dan Pink
Video: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation in the Workplace by Corporate Class Inc.
Leadership & Executive Presence is a short read, but it packs a punch!
This is a short read that is packed with short lessons and tips on leadership from several sources the author interviewed.
I always find that books that include personal experiences can present leadership lessons and concepts in a more approachable way.
I recommend it the next time you are looking for a quick read that definitely introduced me to new concepts I will be trying.
P.S. Reply to this newsletter and let me know what you are reading 📚
Consider how many different pieces of content you see in any given week. See something that really resonates with you? Share it with us so we can feature it in our Social Media of the Week section!
This week’s feature is from Jen Heemstra via Nextiva
“Listening is a communication skill.”
So often we focus on how we communicate. We focus on how we speak, present, or write.
However, a critical communication skill that is so often overlooked is listening. Listening with the intent to understand versus waiting to respond sets apart bosses from great leaders.
