What motivates or inspires you?

I’ve noticed that different things motivate different people at work.as with most things, there are two extremes: deadlines and negative pressure like “, you better get this done by 3 or you could get fire” and the other is driven by kindness and freedom of expression -“ we want to hear what you think, take it on and do what you think is best with in these guidelines” which extreme stomp here motivates you?

Domking · 61-69, M

The threat doesn't inspire nor motivate.I have heard this, from my boss - this is damn urgent, better bring it within such n such time.That will prompt me to merely avoid the blame of being late. I would usually do a neat job, for my own satisfaction, but I might also put in a half cooked stuff which will be quite difficult to digest.
Whereas, the friendly approach, even when expressed in a warning like "come let's finish it today, otherwise the IRS audit (we call it Income tax) will create lots of troubles" - will inspire & motivate to really put best efforts and [b]solve[/b] the problem.
Just my $0.02

cosas · 41-45, M

What you describe are two sides of the same coin. They teach that vomit to your bosses in management classes on motivating employees and etc.

While the second one seems good, it is just a fake. But you don't have to take my word for it. Just find out what percentage of the world lives in poverty, add to that what percentage of workers like you are truly happy and content with their lives, also the trend of the environment's status and... it doesn't take a genius to form the whole picture.

When you think that your parents and grandparents were fed the same unmentionable, just packaged differently.

What motivates and inspires me? The fall of capitalism, once and for all!

Mindful · 56-60, F

@Mellowgirl I’m sorry, I hope you find someone more selfish aware and courageous to work for