One of the problems I have with my line of work, some of which includes going out to speak to big audiences, is that I don't trust myself. Sounds odd, I know, but presenting from the stage, with the only microphone and a big ass PowerPoint screen gives me a odd power over those in the room. It's not the work because I love what I write and talk about, it's the set up! It means I have to be careful about what I'm doing. I saw this ad for IBM on YouTube, and it made me laugh because, it some sad way, it's an honest portrait of what it's like having someone motivate all over you.
Motivational speaking shouldn't be one's career. When someone says "Oh..Carr, you're a motivational speaker huh?"...I kind of tighten up, and correct them. "Well, I'm actually a performer, a professional creative, producer and writer..and sometimes I speak."
Motivational speaking can be the artistic equivalent of a lousy lounge singer. You sing someone elses tune, wrap it around some cliche'd "principles of action" and sell it like snake oil. Fact is, most of this stuff won't last long enough to make to the lobby outside of the auditorium, that is what motivational mumbo-jumbo is, short lasting, often tasty treats that are frequently, though not always, void of any real useful calories.
If we want to motivate others, we have to be careful about what we're doing, and what we want others to do. Freedom is a dangerous idea, and many companies hire motivational speakers, even academic speakers, to come in and get, as one CEO told me before a presentation "all these people in lockstep, headed the same direction." But Academic speakers ofter drape themselves in ivory tower research papers with academic institutional endorcements. But at least they've worked through an idea, provided research and testing, and had something more to accomplish then sell a set of audio CD's on how we can have whatever we want if we just follow a plan. I'm a bit militant about my material, and I'm always asking myself if I'm selling bullshit. I hope not, and all I can do is make sure I'm honest about the outcome of my presentations, with integrity about the work and the message.
Motivation, as a professional, is fine, but if you're not careful, it can suck more energy out of the room than is added. If you really want to motivate your employees, give them the keys to the car, tell them where you'd like them to go, and let them drive it and find their own motivation to get there. The worst that can happen is they'll make a mistake, but with help they'll learn, and as a result become stronger and healthier. When that happens...they'll be motivated...naturally, and isn't that the best motivation outcome to have?
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