A well-known philosopher who invited me to dinner one evening asked, “What would you like after dinner?” she asked. “Can I have some fruit?” my friend asks as she reaches for the cheese and biscuits. I asked why.
“No,” he said, “you can't do that, John.” I noticed a glint in his eyes.
“But your wife just put a big bowl of fruit on the table…”
“Yes, but you cannot eat fruit. You can eat apples, pears or bananas; not fruit.”
If you don't ask people what motivates them, what they want, you will never learn. Since no one has written a book about himself, you will not find such information in books. We are all different fruits, a general expression of fruit does not cover all of us. No two apples are alike. So what motivates one in a team may not motivate the other.
Individuals do not always show clear attitudes about what they want. Our motivation differs according to age and circumstances. One of your duties as a leader is to help individuals express themselves about what they are looking for or need throughout their careers.
John Adair – “Effective Motivation”
