Abstract

“All motivating is demotivating” [Reinhard K. Sprenger]

Reinhard K. Sprenger wrote an insightful book on motivating employees. His central statement: Stop it! Everyone has intrinsic motivation. This must be developed independently and individually to contribute to the success of the company. All external motivation attempts will fail.

I recommend acquiring and reading his book: (external link!) Mythos Motivation, Wege aus einer Sackgasse [German].

Central Topics of Sprenger’s Book on Motivation:

• The system of motivation is methodical distrust.
• Employees are trapped by threats, punishments, bribery, rewards, and bonuses.
• All motivation destroys motivation. ”And how did you manage to break him? - Through praise…” [Ephraim Kishon]
• The bonus practice in companies is the disease it believes it can cure.
• Motivation is like doping in sports: You no longer feel the pain.
• Relying on self-regulating incentive systems is the leader’s confession of failure.
• Willingness to perform can only be hindered.
• Leading is primarily avoiding demotivation.
• If you consider employees to be incapable, they will be so.
• Over time, every manager gets the employees they deserve.
• When we no longer saw the meaning of our work, we started talking about motivation.
• All people want is to be able to choose.
• Motivation is undeniably an individual matter. Giving them the freedom to do so is the leader’s responsibility.
• The most common offense in business life is the fundamental disrespect for human dignity.