Adaptation, Motivation, and Conflict Management

The statement: “It is not possible to actually “motivate” another person; the best we can do is create the circumstances under which the person can become self-motivated,” is one that brings much truth to the idea of motivation. Motivation in and of itself cannot, and should not be perceived as a tangible entity. One cannot give another individual “motivation” like one would present a gift. Managers can create situations that produce motivation, but they cannot actually give motivation itself. There are methods that they can implement to promote this feeling of motivation, therefore allowing employees to be self-motivated.

It has been proven through studies that leadership behavior in terms of work engagement will lead to better retention rates (Medes & Stander, 2011). Research speaks of positive psychology being the best way to approach motivating employees. Positive psychology is stated to be the study of the strengths and virtues that enable people to thrive ("Positive Psychology Center," 2007). When managers take up this approach, they seek to create an environment that focuses on the strength of their employees. Creating the circumstances to promote the feeling of motivation requires managers to emphasize accountability, encourage autonomous decision-making, share information with the employees, help the employees develop their skills, and promote innovation (Medes & Stander, 2011). In order to do the things listed above, managers must work on perception; how do the employees perceive the tasks that are being asked of them, and, above all, the attitude it is being presented with (Liebler & McConnell, 2012).

A true leader will empower their employees. Empowerment can be achieved when a manager creates an atmosphere of meani...

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...oyee’s choice whether or not they want to be motivated; a manager can only do so much. They can provide the tools needed for success, but ultimately what the employee does with those tools is up to them.

Works Cited

Froman, L. (2009, August 26). Positive psychology in the workplace. Springer Science + Business Media, 17, 59-69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10804-009-9080-0

Liebler, J. G., & McConnell, C. R. (2012). Adaptation, Motivation, and Conflict Management. In Management Principles for Health Professionals (6th ed. (pp. 321-347).

Medes, F., & Stander, M. W. (2011, May 6). Positive organisation: the role of leader behaviour in work engagement and retention. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology/SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 37, 29-41. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v37i1.900

Positive psychology center. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/