Motivating Others
In exploring the topic of motivating others, I’ve learned that true motivation—especially in education—comes less from external rewards and more from creating an environment where people feel valued, purposeful, and capable. Motivation is sustained when individuals understand why their work matters, feel competent in their roles, and have autonomy in how they achieve their goals.
I’ve also learned that clear, meaningful purpose is one of the strongest motivators. In an educational setting, when educators see a direct connection between their daily work and the long-term success of their students, it fosters intrinsic motivation. People naturally invest more effort when they can visualize the positive impact of their work.
How I plan to apply this:
I will make the purpose of our work more explicit by regularly connecting lessons and tasks to real-world outcomes and professional success.
I will encourage open communication so students and colleagues feel heard and valued.
I will recognize not only achievements but also effort, growth, and creative problem-solving.
I will look for ways to provide autonomy and ownership over projects, so individuals feel a sense of agency in their work.
Ultimately, motivating others is about aligning purpose, building confidence, and fostering a culture of respect and growth. When people feel connected to the why, they are more willing to commit to the how.
