Motivation that sticks: a human-centred, neurodiverse-aware approach to inspiring action
Motivation that sticks: a human-centred, neurodiverse-aware approach to inspiring action
5 minutes
Motivating people isn’t always straightforward.
You might notice that what energises one person doesn’t land the same way as another. Something that sparks momentum for one team member can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even draining for someone else.
This isn’t because anyone is doing it wrong. It’s because motivation works differently for different people, and it can change depending on what someone is carrying at any given moment.
When leaders understand this, motivating others becomes less about trying harder and more about tuning in.
Motivation is not a one-size-fits-all experience.
What energises one person can overwhelm another. Some people are motivated by autonomy and challenge. Others need clarity, safety, or connection before they can take action. When leaders rely on a single motivational style, it can unintentionally create pressure, disengagement, or resistance.
A human-centred approach to motivation recognises that people have different nervous system baselines, values, and drivers. When leaders understand what genuinely motivates someone, action becomes more sustainable and far less forced.
People are more engaged and motivated when their psychological needs are supported.
Self-Determination Theory highlights three core drivers of intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and connection. When these needs are met, people are more likely to sustain effort and commitment over time.
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report also shows that employees are far more engaged when managers understand their individual strengths and needs, not when they are simply pushed harder or motivated through external pressure alone.
Every person has a unique motivational profile shaped by:
- How they gain or lose energy
- Their nervous system baseline
- Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers
- Their need for clarity, autonomy, or connection
- Common blockers such as overwhelm, burnout, or perfectionism
Leaders do not need to become experts in motivation theory. They simply need to pause, notice patterns, ask better questions, and adjust how they support action.
When motivation is aligned to the individual, progress becomes more natural and far more sustainable.
Use the PULSE Motivation Framework below to better understand what drives each person on your team and how to inspire action in a way that truly sticks.
