Motivation from Within

Once, there was an Entrepreneur who created an amazing new product. This product was perfect in every way. The Entrepreneur was so proud of this innovation and loved it immensely. The Entrepreneur's vision was to share the product with everyone. To do this, the Entrepreneur needed help so people were employed.

Initially things were harmonious between the Entrepreneur and the employees, but employees brought their own creativity and visions. When these ideas clashed with the Entrepreneur's vision, tension arose. At times the Entrepreneur would get frustrated and lash out at the employees or even punish them.

The Entrepreneur decided to develop a manager who could mediate. One who could understand and interpret what the Entrepreneur wanted and could guide the employees. To help the manager, the Entrepreneur wrote down rules and instructions on how things were to be done. With these instructions, the manager could teach the employees. This seemed to work for while, but the employees became confused because they didn't understand the overall direction and were often doing things in their own ways. Over time, the employees had so many questions or disputes that needed settling that the manager became a bottleneck for making decisions.

In order to stay on top of things, the manager developed other managers to own and make decisions on smaller issues. The big issues were still brought to the top manager to decide. Again, this seemed to work for a while but eventually things deteriorated. The employees and the managers were making decisions that did not match the vision of the Entrepreneur. For fear of the product being ruined and the vision being lost, the Entrepreneur would step in and punish the employees and the managers, sometimes with extreme consequences. This created great fear of the Entrepreneur and cultivated a culture of animosity instead of cooperation. It drove the employees further from the vision and created a greater chasm between the Entrepreneur and the employees. It also undermined the managers. The employees, rather than wanting to achieve the vision simply complied out of fear. This is not what the Entrepreneur envisioned or wanted. This didn't work.

The Entrepreneur, decided to take a huge leap in a new direction and brought in a radical new Leader. This Leader was humble and serving. This Leader was glued to the Entrepreneur's vision almost like they were the same person. This Leader set out a new command. A new vision. The vision was powerful and attractive. The Leader asked the employees and other leaders to look at their own hearts and assess whether this vision matched their personal vision. If this vision aligns with their personal vision, then they would want to pursue this vision. They would want to do the right things to help achieve the overall vision. This Leader talked of the new vision constantly. The Leader shared the Core Values and Purpose with everyone constantly. This Leader also held the employees and all his leaders accountable to honoring the Core Values by reminding them of what they were and how honoring them will help them get what they wanted.

Some of the old employees were not interested in the new vision and did not buy into these ideas. They fought against the new Leader. The Leader stayed true to the Values and worked relentlessly to convert the employees to the new ways. For those who followed this Leader, they found new motivation and energy to achieve the vision. The employees began working together, helping one another and tensions were released. Peace became the new culture and celebration for the progress toward the vision. Countless people were sharing the product and the Entrepreneur was elated. Not everyone was willing to adapt to this style of Leadership. Some fell away or decided against it. Many of those who did would be welcomed back if they changed their hearts.

You see, the new Leader knew that true motivation comes from within. In order for the vision to be achieved, each employee needs to search their hearts and choose to do the right thing. They need to choose to honor and pursue the Core Values, Purpose and Vision. The new Leader had a few goals for all of the employees. Honor your purpose. When you do, you will find happiness. Honor your Core Values. When you do, you will fell healthy and at peace. Pursue your Vision. If your Vision aligns with the Entrepreneurs Vision, you will find success. Find other people you can help to learn how to honor their Purpose, Core Values and Vision. For those who followed this Leader they became whole and were rewarded. The team grew daily and the Entrepreneur's vision was being realized. Together they all grew and prospered.

In the end, it will all crumble and erode. No product lasts forever. But the beautiful energy, fellowship and culture made together lasts for eternity.

Written by Marc Dion