Blog

By Kate Turner, Founder & Director, Motivational Leadership

As leaders, we're constantly trying to crack the code of high performance. We invest in personality assessments, team-building exercises, and leadership development programmes. Yet many of us are still missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Most workplace tools tell us how people behave - their communication style, their approach to tasks, their preferred working methods. But there's another question that's equally important: why do they bother?

The Motivation Myths That Hold Us Back

Before we dive into solutions, let's bust some common myths that might be limiting your team's potential:

Myth 1: "Money is the best motivator" The truth? For some, yes - but many are driven by purpose, autonomy, or recognition. Long-term motivation depends on deeper, intrinsic drivers.

Myth 2: "High performers are always highly motivated" Reality check: Many top performers push through low motivation using discipline or pressure. That's not sustainable, and it's a recipe for burnout.

Myth 3: "People are motivated by what they're good at" Not necessarily. People can excel at tasks that drain them. Skill doesn't always align with energy.

The Power of Combining Tools - Personal Style Indicator and Motivational Maps®

When it comes to understanding people at work, we need both pieces of the puzzle. Tools like Personal Style Indicator shows us behavioural preferences - the how. Motivational Maps® reveals the energy underneath - the why.

Used together, these tools create a fuller picture of the human experience at work. You get clarity on both behaviour and motivation, helping leaders not just understand what makes their team tick, but how to fuel them.

Here's why this combination works so brilliantly:

• Fewer assumptions: Just because someone behaves a certain way doesn't mean they're feeling fulfilled
• Better conversations: You can address both performance issues and energy levels
• Targeted development: Match opportunities to both capability and motivation
• Sustainable results: Build on what naturally energises people, not just their skills

Real Results from Real People

"My Map was uncannily accurate - spooky in fact."

"I've done lots of psychometrics before and I thought I knew myself quite well. Maps is different though. Now I realise what really drives me and how those drivers continue to change and shape what I want from work and my life."

"To my mind, the whole concept of mapping motivation goes above and beyond the current personality tools. They deal with the root cause of behaviour rather than the symptoms."

Your Next Step: Discover What Really Drives You

Understanding motivation isn't just about team development - it starts with self-awareness. When you know what truly energises you, you can make better decisions about your career, your leadership style, and your life.

That's why we've created the perfect starting point: your own Motivational Map® combined with comprehensive e-learning to help you understand and apply your results.

Ready to discover what really drives you?

Get Your Motivational Map® + e-Learning Package for just £99 (excl VAT)

Simple. Fast. Insightful.

Don't just understand how you work - discover why you're motivated to excel.

Kate Turner is the founder and director of Motivational Leadership and Amazon bestselling author of CREATE Motivation. She specialises in helping leaders build sustainable high performance through understanding both behaviour and motivation.