Why Motivating People Doesn't Work…and What Does, Second Edition

Carrots and sticks are costing you your best people. Here's the leadership science that actually works.

Most leaders aren't bad at motivating people—they're just using a model that neuroscience has already disproven. Built on decades of research and field-tested with organizations including Microsoft, NASA, CVS, and Mattel, this book replaces outdated reward-and-punishment thinking with a practical, proven process called “optimal motivation.”

What you'll find inside:

• A clear explanation of why external rewards produce short-term compliance but kill long-term engagement
• The three core psychological needs—autonomy, relatedness, and competence—that drive meaningful and sustainable motivation
• A step-by-step framework leaders can apply immediately in real workplace situations
• Real client examples showing how the process works across industries and team sizes
• Practical language and coaching tools to help your people find genuine purpose in their roles

This book is for managers, HR professionals, and organizational leaders who are tired of chasing engagement scores and want a research-backed alternative that actually sticks. It is not a collection of motivational tactics; it is a fundamental shift in how leaders understand human drive.

If motivation on your team feels forced or fragile, this is where the change starts.