Achieving Leader - Motivation & Development

Motivation is not about carrots and sticks — it's about creating the conditions where people naturally thrive. This workshop applies Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to leadership, focusing on the three innate psychological needs that drive sustained motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Key Concepts

Autonomy

People need to feel a sense of choice and volition in their work. Autonomy doesn't mean working alone — it means having meaningful input into how, when, and where work gets done. Leaders who support autonomy see higher intrinsic motivation, creativity, and persistence.

Competence

The need to feel effective and capable drives people to seek challenges and develop skills. Leaders who provide optimal challenges, constructive feedback, and growth opportunities satisfy this need. When competence needs are thwarted — through micromanagement or impossible standards — motivation collapses.

Relatedness

Humans are fundamentally social. The need to belong, to feel connected, and to matter to others is a powerful motivator. Leaders build relatedness through genuine caring, inclusion, and creating team identity — not through forced team-building exercises.

What You'll Learn

• Apply Self-Determination Theory to daily leadership practices
• Identify which of the three needs is least satisfied in your team
• Design autonomy-supportive environments without losing accountability
• Provide challenges and feedback that build competence
• Foster genuine relatedness and belonging on your team
• Shift from extrinsic rewards to intrinsic motivation strategies
• Understand why traditional incentive programs often backfire

Workshop Format

The Research