Assignment 1: Discussion—Can Leaders Really Motivate Employees?

In today's turbulent environment, success depends on employees using their skills and capabilities to the fullest. Employee motivation can be a challenge at work. Those leaders who don’t emphasize employee satisfaction as a key part of the organizational strategy will not be able to leverage the potential of the human assets to the fullest.

Every person needs motivation at work. The reasons for working vary widely, but we all work because we obtain something that we need from work. This affects morale, production, retention, and overall quality of life. To create positive employee motivation, employees must have a voice and feel that they are worthy to the team and to the organization.

Based on your research using the module readings, Argosy University online library, and Internet resources, respond to the following:

• Can leaders really motivate employees? If so, how and for how long? 
• Is there a way to create and sustain a motivating environment that will also help retain talent? What is it? How does it work?

Support your positions with specific examples or by citing credible sources.

Write your initial response in approximately 300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Saturday, May 31, 2014, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, June 4, 2014, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses.

Consider the following in your responses to make the discussion a rich learning experience:

• Contribute new and relevant information to the course discussion using your textbook reading.
• Comment in a positive manner.
• Build on the remarks of your peers or pose questions to them.
• Share quotes, Web site links, and other supplementary information.