Understanding Motivation & Engagement: What Drives Your People?
Why do some team members go the extra mile, while others coast along? The answer isn’t always performance—it’s often motivation.
Engaged teams aren’t lucky. They’re led—by managers who understand what truly drives their people.
In this edition, we’ll explore how new and seasoned managers can unlock higher energy, performance and commitment through motivation awareness.
🔍 Motivation vs Engagement: What’s the Difference?
Although often used interchangeably, they’re not the same:
- Motivation = the internal drive to take action
- Engagement = the emotional commitment to the work, team and mission
You can have one without the other—but sustainable performance requires both.
🧠 The 3 Drivers of Motivation at Work (Daniel Pink’s Model)
According to behavioural scientist Daniel Pink, the most powerful forms of motivation today are intrinsic:
🔹 Autonomy – “I have control over how I do my work” 🔹 Mastery – “I’m getting better at things that matter” 🔹 Purpose – “I’m working toward something meaningful”
💡 Tip: When managers align roles and conversations with these drivers, people thrive.
💬 5 Manager Tips to Boost Motivation & Engagement
✅ Give people more choice in how they deliver outcomes ✅ Celebrate progress, not just results ✅ Connect daily tasks to the bigger picture ✅ Ask regularly, “What energises you in your role?” ✅ Offer feedback that’s specific, supportive, and growth-oriented
⚠️ What Kills Motivation?
Even well-meaning leaders sometimes sabotage motivation:
🚫 Micromanagement 🚫 Ignoring contributions or wins 🚫 Mismatched goals or values 🚫 No space for creativity or growth
🔹 Awareness is the first step—our free resource can help.
✨ FREE RESOURCE: Motivation Map Worksheet
📩 Motivation Map Worksheet– a downloadable/printable coaching tool to explore what drives each member of your team.
Includes space for reflection on Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose, and helps spark 1-to-1 conversations that go beyond task lists and into what makes people tick.
Get in touch: info@lighthouse-group.co.uk
💬 Want to Build Motivated, Engaged Teams?
We’d love to explore how Lighthouse can support your managers with the practical skills to lead with confidence and care.
🚀 Lighthouse Management Training Helping Leaders Succeed
