Podcast 1320: Why Motivating People Doesn't Work...and What Does by Susan Fowler

Podcast 1320: Why Motivating People Doesn't Work...and What Does by Susan Fowler

May 6, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

Greg Voisen interviews Susan Fowler about her book on motivation and the importance of psychological needs in the workplace.

In this podcast, Greg Voisen sits down with world-renowned motivation expert Susan Fowler to discuss the second edition of her groundbreaking book, Why Motivating People Doesn't Work...and What Does. Susan reveals a revolutionary truth: stop trying to motivate people. By shifting the focus from "carrots and sticks" to the science of psychological needs, she provides a blueprint to end "quiet quitting" and spark sustainable vitality in any organization. 🎯 What Listeners Will Learn: - The Myth of the Carrot and Stick: Why incentives like bonuses and perks often diminish creativity and long-term engagement. - The ARC of Success: A deep dive into the three essential psychological needs—Autonomy (Choice), Relatedness (Connection), and Competence—that are as vital to humans as biological needs. - The Six Motivational Outlooks: How to identify where you and your team sit on the spectrum, from "Disinterested" to "Inherent." - Leading Post-Pandemic: How to adapt leadership styles for the hybrid work era by focusing on rationale and agency rather than mandates. - The Power of "I Get To" vs. "I Have To": Simple linguistic shifts that can rewire your brain for better energy and focus. Our…

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