The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill 352. Why Everything You Know About Motivating Your Team Might Be Completely Wrong with Susan Fowler [Encore Edition]
Could your firm be missing out on its true potential by relying on traditional motivation techniques?
In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with renowned motivation expert Susan Fowler to challenge the outdated paradigms of incentivization in the workplace. With insights drawn from her extensive research and real-world applications, Susan offers a fresh perspective on how law firm leaders can cultivate a genuinely motivating environment.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The distinction between suboptimal and optimal motivation and how quality-focused motivation leads to more sustainable and fulfilling outcomes
- The importance of supporting employees’ psychological needs: choice, connection, and competence — and how these enhance employee engagement and reduce turnover in law firms
- The significance of aligning personal and organizational values to create a thriving work environment, enabling conscious growth and long-term success for both individuals and firms
By unlocking the secrets behind psychological energy, Susan reveals how understanding the deeper layers of human motivation can lead to unprecedented growth, not just financially but also in terms of employee satisfaction and performance. Listen in to discover how you can transform your firm’s culture and drive meaningful change.
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00:00 – Introduction
03:22 – Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work (and What Does)
07:15 – Suboptimal vs. Optimal Motivation: The Six Types
12:40 – The Three Psychological Needs: Autonomy, Connection, and Competence
22:08 – Creating Autonomy Within Structure
26:47 – Building Genuine Connection at Work
34:02 – Encouraging Growth: Competence and Learning Cultures
43:30 – Why “What Motivates You?” Is the Wrong Question
58:16 – Final Thoughts and What Being a Game Changer Means
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Links & Resources:
Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work… and What Does by Susan Fowler
Master Your Motivation: Three Scientific Truths for Achieving Your Goals by Susan Fowler
The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys
Binge Drinking by Occupation Groups among Currently Employed U.S. Adults
Institute For Well-Being In Law
McKinsey & Company: Winning back your workers
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Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more.
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If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
- 334. Dr. Benjamin Hardy — From Limiting Beliefs to Limitless Potential: A Guide to Personal Growth
- 240. Jessica Mogill — Why Hiring A-Players is Important
- 189. AMMA — How to Preserve Your Culture While Scaling Your Business