Interpersonal Skills for Portfolio, Program, and Project Managers

The Art of Motivation

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Motivation is a concept that is difficult to define. PMI (2008a) defines it as “creating an environment to meet project objectives while offering maximum self-satisfaction related to what people value most” (p. 410). PMI further explains that values differ but can include satisfaction with one‧s job, challenging work, a sense of accomplishment and success in one‧s work, personal achievement and growth, financial compensation that is commensurate with the work to be done, and other recognition and rewards.

Kerzner and Salidis (2009) define motivation as “encouraging others to perform by fulfilling or appealing to their needs” (p. 193). Jack Welch, the former chief executive officer of General Electric, echoes this idea, ...