Hey Trailblazers.

Welcome to Growth Sparks.

Want to know why some people can motivate anyone to action while others struggle?

Today, we reveal the six power types that influence behaviour and how to use them—even when you're not the boss.

The real way to motivate anyone

What I bet on: People work harder when they feel connected. Giving them space makes them want to work harder.

Some people love their work and others just clock in and out? The secret isn't about money.

1. ​Research from Oxford University found that happy employees are 13% more productive than unhappy workers.
2. Yet, 87% of professionals have had at least one toxic boss during their career, with 30% encountering more than one.

That's a problem.

Theory:
​If you need something from your co-worker, you need to understand there are six ways to get people to do things for you.

Just remember: some ways are good and make people happy to help, while others might make them do it but not want to.

You are:

1. Really Good at Something (Expert): "I can fix this issue because I've done this before."

People follow you because of your knowledge and skills, regardless of your position.

2. The Boss (Legitimate): "I'm in charge, so I tell you what to do."

This comes from your formal position but is limited to organizational boundaries.

3. Well-Liked (Referent): "I'm respected by my colleagues, so they often ask for my advice."

Based on relationships and being someone others want to emulate.

4. Giving Rewards (Reward): "I can recommend team members for bonuses based on their performance."

Useful short-term but can create dependency.

5. Making Threats (Coercive): "I'll give a negative performance review if the deadline isn't met."

Research shows this is the least effective and most damaging approach.

6. Connecting the dots "You know things others don't."

When you control access to crucial information, you shape decisions and outcomes.

In Practice:​
Even for someone who is not part of your team, there is a right way to connect and build a partnership.

Power only works when people want to follow you. Trust is the foundation - once broken, even legitimate authority becomes ineffective.

And there is a right way to motivate people you work with:

1. Let them choose how: tell them what you want to achieve, not how to do it.
2. Help people get better: give them chances to try new things.
3. Show why it matters: help them see how their work helps others. They will be more satisfied.
4. Support them for taking action: Don't just cheer when they win. Cheer when they keep trying, too.

A sales manager at my previous company was struggling with an underperforming team.

Instead of enforcing stricter KPIs, she gave her reps more control over their schedules and encouraged them to test their own sales strategies.

She also connected their work to helping small businesses thrive.

Within three months, sales increased by 10%, and people were happier in their roles.

Pro Tip: If you want people to be truly motivated, stop trying to make them work harder. Instead, give them the space, skills, and meaning that make them want to work harder.

When someone watches your every move, you stop caring.

You need to pull people in and make them feel valued. That’s how you build real motivation that lasts.

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What I Liked About My Feed

1

A great post on how to win people over so they follow you?

2

Saurabh Gupta @KaizenMantra You were awesome, But I went with someone else. Why do we sometimes struggle to advance, Despite of our highly skilled abilities? Let's dive into 2 critical elements: 1. Confidence in someone's ability 2. Trust in their character I can be confident you can code But do I… https://x.com/i/web/status/1900909096603447608 2:57 PM • Mar 15, 2025 0 Retweets 0 Likes

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Trust ≠ Confidence. Here's how you can improve your relationships.

3

Sterling @sterling_thinks • Authority makes people trust you. • Scarcity makes people act now. • Social proof makes people feel safe. Great copy doesn’t just sell—it positions you as the obvious choice. 6:52 AM • Mar 13, 2025 0 Retweets 5 Likes Read 1 replies

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How you write is hugely influencing the connection you build with others. Both in marketing AND to your co-workers.

P.S.

Marketeers and Excel are not always a match made in heaven 😂

Full Steam Ahead!

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