Edward Deci, in his research on intrinsic motivation in team settings, found three aspects that must be present. Sense of autonomy, sense of competency, and a sense of connectedness. That last one is easily missed. It’s the inverse of research showing that people are far more likely to quit their job because of a bad manager rather than low pay. The flip is that the more connected they feel to the team and the “authority figure” – teacher, parent, boss – the more they are intrinsically motivated to bring their very best to the work they’re doing.
In other words, leader, slow down and connect more. Not to simply up the output rates, but to create a sense of belonging that allows others to flourish.
BUILT TO LEAD 