12/09/2026
Perhaps there are fewer “unmotivated people” than there are environments that have stopped motivating them.
This reflection from Simon Sinek touches on one of leadership’s most common mistakes: when someone loses energy, commitment or initiative, it is easy to assume the problem lies entirely with the person.
But before asking “How can I motivate them?”, perhaps we should ask:
“What happened that made this person stop wanting to give their best?”
People need to feel seen. That their contribution matters. That there is trust, recognition, purpose and room to grow.
This does not remove individual accountability — each person remains responsible for their attitude and performance. But it also places responsibility where it belongs: on leadership and the environment we create.
We can have the best strategy, excellent processes, and increasingly powerful technology and AI. But no tool can indefinitely compensate for a culture where people no longer feel valued.
Leadership is not about motivating people every day.
It is about creating the conditions that give people reasons to contribute.
Perhaps, before trying to change the person, we should have the courage to examine the system we have built around them.
This is precisely where I work through Artur Miranda Advisory and AMMA Lab — at the intersection of leadership, culture, people and organisational transformation.
In your organisation, when someone loses motivation, is the first question about the person… or about the leadership?
🌐 Artur Miranda Advisory
🌐 AMMA Lab