Have you ever asked yourself why people don’t do what they say they will?
Why they commit to something… then bail?
Why they resist direction, even when it’s clearly in their best interest?
As a manager or business leader, these moments can be frustrating. The instinct is to try to “get people to do what you want.” But here’s the truth:
👉 You can’t make someone do something they don’t want to do.
The Real Reason People Take Action
People do things for one reason only: because they want to.
No amount of pressure, planning, or persuasion will stick unless they’re internally motivated.
That’s why understanding what drives each team member is mission-critical to your leadership success. If you don’t know why someone shows up every day, you won’t know how to lead them effectively.
Even if they say “yes” to a task, without internal motivation, you’re likely to get:
Delays
Mistakes
Or complete drop-off
Why Team Members Say One Thing and Do Another
Most of us learned early in life that telling others what they want to hear helps us avoid conflict or consequences. We carry that behavior into adulthood and the workplace.
So when someone agrees to a project they don’t really believe in, it’s not necessarily dishonesty—it’s often self-protection.
How to Uncover What Your Team Really Wants
There’s a better way to lead. Start by making it safe for people to tell you the truth about what they’re motivated to do.
Step 1: Build Trust
Without trust, people won’t open up about their true interests or limitations. They may think you’re just trying to manipulate them into compliance. A foundation of trust helps your team feel confident that you care about their success—not just the bottom line.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
Once trust is established, clarify your expectations and ask:
“Is this something you want to take on?”
“Do you feel confident you have the time and resources?”
“Would you like support to get started or plan next steps?”
These conversations reduce friction, surface issues early, and lead to better outcomes.
Step 3: Align Projects with Motivation
If someone doesn’t want to take something on—or can’t—that’s not a failure. It’s insight. You’re better off delegating to someone with the right capacity, energy, and skillset. That’s how high-performing teams are built.
Are You Managing or Motivating?
Understanding what motivates your team isn’t optional—it’s essential.
✅ If you’re ready to lead more effectively and build a motivated, high-trust team, let’s talk.
Schedule a stress-free call today to explore how we can help you uncover what really drives your people—and how to align that with the outcomes you need.
