The Mechanics of Motivation
Motivation metaphors typically involve a force being applied within a specific type of relationship.
Spatial Positioning in Management
The “Pusher” (Motivation from Behind)
“I am right behind my team, and I give them a push when required.”
Result: Often leads to grumblings of, “I don’t like being pushed around.”
The “Leader” (Motivation from the Front)
“I lead my team from the front. I stay one step ahead and show them the way to go.”
Result: Often leads to grumblings of, “I never get to take the lead in my work.”
Therapeutic Models of Motivation
The Carrot (Reward)
Motivating by promises of secondary gain. Example: A smoking cessation therapist highlighting spare money, fresher breath, and improved health.
The Stick (Aversion)
Motivating by exploring risks and negative consequences. In NLP, this often takes the form of a “propulsion system” or “jet engine.”
Decoding Non-Motivation
A “lack of motivation” is rarely a singular state; it is usually a reported absence of a specific metaphorical resource:
“I lack interest” or “can’t be bothered.”
“I feel paralysed” or “stung by inertia.”
The Projection Problem: Motivators often try to address others’ lack of motivation by relying on their own internal model. A motivator who views non-motivation as a lack of energy will exhaust themselves trying to “infuse” energy into a person who might simply be lacking interest.
Consultancy & Bespoke Training
Identify and resolve the hidden motivational structures within your organisation or therapeutic practice.
Contact Andrew T. Austin:
Somerset, UK
The Metaphors of Movement Motivation Audit
Stop trying to “push” people who need “pulling.” Discover why your leadership style might be creating the very resistance you are trying to overcome.
We map where managers stand in relation to their teams (Front, Back, or Side) and how that spatial relationship dictates team response.
We identify if your organisation relies on “Carrot” or “Stick” models and where those models are fundamentally misaligned with the workforce.
We differentiate between a “lack of energy,” “lack of interest,” and “paralysis” to ensure the right solution is applied to the right problem.
