What really motivates us? And why can some environments bring out the best in us while others slowly drain our energy?
In this episode, Bart speaks with Stephen de Groot about his remarkable career journey, from working with prisoners to advising physicians, leaders, and other high performers, and what those experiences have taught him about human motivation.
Stephen discusses the difference between motivation and inspiration, and why so few of us truly understand what drives and energizes us. He introduces his “CORE 4”: needs, values, goals, and strengths, and explains how paying attention to the moments when we feel most alive and fulfilled can reveal what matters most to us. With that understanding, we can intentionally create more of those conditions in our work and lives or recognize when an environment is no longer right for us.
The conversation then turns to leadership. Stephen shares how leaders can uncover what motivates the people they lead, create the conditions for them to perform at their best, and recognize why the same approach will not inspire everyone.
Filled with practical insights and stories from Stephen’s own journey, this episode offers a fresh perspective on human motivation, meaningful work and what it really takes to inspire ourselves and others.
Check out Stephen's book, Getting to Better, here: https://gettingtobetter.com/
Show Notes:
01:11 Introducing Stephen
02:09 What inspiration and motivation mean
02:51 I get excited easily, I don't often get inspired easily
04:13 Life is already there, you just need to tune into it
05:43 Bart asks Stephen for his career/personal story
06:06 Growing up a twin and being attuned to people's emotions
06:42 Started with working with people who were unmotivated
07:01 Working with gang members in prisons
07:17 All people are motivated... but are they motivated in the way we want them to be?
08:06 "Safe, significant and situated"
10:39 Using magic tricks to connect
13:02 The three "S"s and the "CORE 4"
16:10 Outdated theories are still used in the corporate world
16:43 What does it mean to be "unmotivated"?
17:17 What needs were being met?
17:35 Great moments don't happen by accident
19:31 Happiness is fleeting: inspiration and meaning aren't
21:30 How do you go about finding out your "CORE 4"
23:31 Start with your personal life
23:50 Four questions to ask
23:55 Q: What needs are being met right now?
24:28 Q: What values are being aligned?
24:42 Q: What goals are being met?
24:54 Q: What strengths of mine are being leveraged right now?
27:12 What frustration and anger tell us
28:28 How does this apply to leadership development?
29:14 Best to approach it when things are going well
29:29 What part of the work do you like the most?
29:58 We're products of our environments and relationships
30:16 Interviewing for Core Four
33:32 Knowing people's Core Four directly impacts your ability to influence them
34:15 The Three P's
34:51 Promote - Predict - Prevent
35:45 Moral injury
36:42 Bart ties it up with thoughts about how self-awareness ties in
37:10 It's not as much work as you think it is
38:02 Thank yous
38:39 Outro
