Police Psychology | Motivation – Back to the Basics

Lt. James Kiernan, Southampton Police, NY

As a student of leadership for over two decades I have examined the complexities of leading over, through and around the generational divide.  What is true for sure is that different generations are motivated differently due to different frames of reference.  Or, are they?

The answer is yes and no.  While it is essential to understand the differences in the people that you lead, there are far more similarities then you may think.  The basics still remain the same.  As long as the new generations are still being produced by human beings and are human themselves, basic motivation theory will always apply.  While the pursuit of fulfilling a need may look different for different generations, the innate desire for satisfaction of each basic need is the same for all.  (more…)