How solution-focused thinking sparks motivation that lasts.
Most leaders notice when motivation drops, but few know what to do about it.
They see the signs:
- Energy dips
- Progress stalls
- Engagement fades
And they label it: “a motivation issue.”
But here’s the truth:
Motivation isn’t a mystery. It’s a thinking issue.
And the fastest way to shift thinking is to change the questions being asked.
Shift the Thinking, Shift the Motivation
At Go M.A.D. Thinking, we’ve worked with thousands of teams and leaders. We’ve seen the same pattern repeatedly:
When people feel stuck, they’re often trapped in hindering thoughts:
- “This task is pointless.”
- “Nobody listens anyway.”
- “I don’t know where this is going.”
These thoughts drain motivation. Fast.
So, what’s the fix?
One of the quickest ways to reignite momentum is to:
Turn Problems into Solutions Using Solution-Focused Questions
Here’s how it works…
From “What’s the problem?” to “What could be possible?”
Rather than analysing the problem or trying to fix motivation from the outside…
Shift the conversation.
Use questions that open up new possibilities, spark ownership, and generate ideas that lead to action.
Ask:
- “What could I possibly do to make this more meaningful?”
- “How could we possibly improve energy in the team?”
- “Who could I possibly involve to help us move this forward?”
The more solution-focused questions you ask, the more ideas you unlock – often beyond your usual thinking.
Do this in your next team meeting:
“Let’s turn this issue into a solution-focused question. Then let’s generate at least 20 possible answers.”
You’ll be surprised how quickly motivation returns when people are thinking forwards instead of spinning in frustration.
3 Ways Leaders Can Inspire Motivation That Lasts
Here’s how to apply this approach in practical, everyday leadership:
1. Redefine Motivation as a Thinking Outcome
Motivation isn’t something you give. It’s something you unlock.
So ask:
- What helpful questions am I asking?
- What hindering thoughts might be holding people back?
- How can I lead thinking, not just manage performance?
2. Use Better Questions to Spark Better Engagement
Replace:
- ❌ “Why aren’t you motivated?”
With:
- ✅ “What could we possibly do to make this feel more worthwhile?”
- ✅ “How might we possibly make faster progress this week?”
Solution-focused questions spark solutions and spark energy.
3. Make Motivation a Shared Responsibility
Great leaders involve their teams in finding the way forward.
Ask:
- “Who could we possibly involve to help drive this?”
- “How could we all take personal responsibility for re-energising ourselves?”
When people feel heard, involved, and responsible – motivation follows.
Final Thought:
Motivation fades where thinking stalls.
Ask better questions… and watch momentum return.
