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Stop Imposing Motivation on Your People, Co-Hosted with Kate McCaffrey E9 HR.Salon Podcast

HR.Salon Podcast

HR.Salon Podcast
Stop Imposing Motivation on Your People, Co-Hosted with Kate McCaffrey E9 HR.Salon Podcast
Mar 24, 2026
Andrew Biernat

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Rethinking Motivation and Building Sustainable Change in the Workplace

Kate McCaffrey and Andrew Biernat Co-Host this joint episode of the HR.Salon and Twisting Paradigms IRL podcasts. Together they explore how motivation is an intrinsic, collaborative process rather than something imposed from the outside. They delve into practical strategies for fostering lasting engagement, addressing systemic barriers, and creating cultures that inspire energy and high performance, especially in challenging times.


In this episode:

  • The misconception that motivation is something you do to others
  • The critical role of intrinsic motivators: autonomy, belonging, and competence
  • How assessment tools can empower self-awareness and drive motivation
  • The importance of ongoing conversations and embedding motivation into team culture
  • Strategies for sustaining change amid organizational shifts and crises
  • Practical tips for leaders to create space, set boundaries, and build resilience
  • The power of pre-planning for hard moments and disruptions
  • The paradigm shift: influencing motivation collaboratively rather than controlling it
  • Key language cues to retire, like "I can't" and "I'm busy," to foster growth
  • The significance of consistency and intentional reflection for long-term impact

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