3 Simple Ways to Motivate Anyone – For Free

Good leaders know how to motivate anyone, whether you’re managing high-paid employees, minimum-wage workers, or volunteers. The secret? There are simple ways to motivate anyone—and here’s the best part: it doesn’t cost a dime.

When you understand what drives people, it’s easier to reduce friction and create lift—lifting your team’s performance, and yourself, higher. Whether it’s your colleague or client, friend or family member, your skill in motivating others can give wings to your success. Sure, everyone is unique in what they like or want, but there are three motivators that work universally.

What Motivates People?

A study conducted by my friends at the NOVA Group surveyed 5,000 managers and asked them to rank ten criteria by how they thought employees were motivated. Then, they asked employees to rank those same criteria based on what actually motivated them.

Managers believed top motivators were good wages, job security, and promotion potential. But employees had a different view: they ranked interesting work, appreciation for work done, and feeling “in the loop” as their top three motivators. The disconnect? Leaders often assume their team only craves material rewards, overlooking the emotional motivators that truly inspire action.

Ways to Motivate Anyone—For Free

Fortunately, you don’t need a big budget to tap into these motivators. Simple shifts in how you interact can have a profound impact. Here’s how to motivate anyone—at no cost:

• Align projects with their interests. People are most energized when their work aligns with what excites them. Interest trumps experience every time, so don’t assume someone’s expertise is what fuels them—they may be eager to try something new.
• Appreciate their efforts. Recognition is a powerful motivator. Show genuine appreciation, not just for the results, but for the effort and commitment people put in, even if the outcomes aren’t perfect. And remember, appreciation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tailor it to fit the individual.
• Keep them informed. People want to know how they fit into the bigger picture. Share your progress, the challenges you face, and ask for their input. When they feel part of the journey, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

These three elements—interest, appreciation, and association—are ways to motivate anyone, anywhere. And the best part? It won’t impact your budget. So, how are you lifting your team to soar higher? You haven’t peaked yet!