In this episode, Kurt Francom, executive director of Leading Saints, shares his thoughts on how leaders can handle the question that always seems to come up: “How can I motivate people?”

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Traditional notions of motivation may be misguided. Kurt cites a Church training with Elder Bednar where he asserted that motivation is essentially a false concept. Motivation can only come from the inside, not from external pressures or guilt. He highlights the importance of recognizing one’s ego as a driving force in leadership and the need to create a culture of love and identity rather than relying on high expectations and shame. Kurt shares practical strategies for fostering motivation, such as building relationships, offering autonomy, and inviting community engagement. He emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and connected.

Ultimately, true motivation stems from understanding one’s identity in Christ and fostering a culture of discipleship. Kurt encourages leaders to surrender their expectations and allow individuals to find their own paths to engagement, reinforcing the idea that leadership is about guiding others toward their divine potential rather than merely achieving specific metrics or goals. Leaders can embrace their roles with compassion and patience, recognizing that the journey of discipleship is a collective effort that requires understanding and support.

02:15 – Common Leadership Concerns

03:39 – Understanding Motivation Challenges

05:06 – Apathy and Engagement Post-COVID

06:20 – The Role of Ego in Leadership

08:15 – Rethinking the Problem of Motivation

09:41 – Elder Bednar’s Perspective on Motivation

10:34 – The Impact of Ego on Leadership

12:30 – The Pressure of Leadership Expectations

13:02 – The Ineffectiveness of Guilt as Motivation

14:05 – Historical Example: World War Rationing

17:53 – The Importance of Inviting Solutions

18:14 – Building Relationships Over Numbers

20:23 – High Love vs. High Expectations

21:07 – Teaching Identity as a Motivational Tool

23:04 – The Role of the Temple in Identity

24:30 – Surrendering Motivation to Christ

26:16 – The Challenge of Leadership and Ego

28:24 – Practical Steps for Leaders

30:09 – Fostering Community and Relationships

32:06 – Offering Autonomy in Leadership

33:18 – Teaching Identity and Purpose

35:39 – The Long-Term Vision for Leadership

37:28 – Conclusion and Encouragement for Leaders

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 700 episodes.

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