The typical way to change people’s behavior is to reward or threaten them. Stephen R. Covey called this “the great jackass theory of human motivation — carrot and stick.” The problem with this approach is that it treats people like animals, and it works only on the surface, and only temporarily. They will “work” for a company, but they will never give it their hearts. They will never speak honestly, contribute freely, or do more than is required.

They will never, ever tell you what they really think.

Yes, they will be motivated, all right — motivated to evade responsibility — but they will never be inspired. In today’s workplace, so many workers are afraid, and it shows. They take little initiative, avoid responsibility, keep their thoughts to themselves — and bring as little as possible to the table so they won’t get in trouble. You will never capture people’s hearts by treating them like jackasses — yet that’s how most leaders try to lead.