This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses the issue of motivation head on, and specifically the idea of measuring it. It is primarily concerned with the operation of motivation in the workplace, in organisational life. The book discusses the relationship of motivation with core management issues: performance, teams, appraisal, leadership, and engagement. It presents two case studies of the Motivational Maps in two significant UK organisations: the Ordnance Survey and the John Lewis Partnership. Motivation is intimately connected to our core beliefs; and these core beliefs affect every part and aspect of our lives. ‘A breakdown in motivation not only becomes self-fulfilling, but also lead to severe psychological problems, if it leads to hopelessness and the feeling that things are not going to get better in the future.’ Mapping Motivation is used in recruitment, sales, management development, change management, and career development and choice.