Praise does not motivate using Olga as an example

“Great, keep up the good work!”

During a team coaching session, I once witnessed how a team leader wanted to know from his employees how he managed to motivate them. Olga, an Eastern European with a Slavic accent, wanted to know whether he could take an honest answer. After he answered in the affirmative, he heard that she didn’t think he could motivate at all. This irritated him. “But I’m always praising and encouraging you!” he shouted. Her reply: “No, you don’t do that.” I asked Olga: “Do you know what situation your boss is referring to when he says he praises and encourages you?” She addressed the boss directly. “You come to my table exactly once a week and look over my shoulder. After a minute, you say the words: That’s great, keep up the good work.” The boss no longer understood the world. “But that’s pure motivation!” The employee: “No, on the contrary!” The boss turned to me: “Mr. Hoffmann, tell me now: That’s clearly motivating!” I replied: “I don’t decide that. Your employee decides that. The attempt to motivate is certainly commendable.” The employee then explained that she could do little with the boss’s praise because he was far removed from her subject matter. However, she certainly appreciated the boss’s confidence that she enjoyed a great deal of freedom in her area. She also acknowledged the intention to motivate her.