ABSTRACT
Performance requires that the performers have the relevant knowledge and skills and openness to learning that enable and facilitate high achievement and outstanding outcomes. There are three essential personal benefits to being motivated, the three Es: energy, enthusiasm, and engagement. There are three essential organisational benefits to having motivation in the workforce, the three Ps: performance, productivity, and, if the strategy is right, profitability. Performance has three essential elements: direction, skills, and motivation. Direction at an organisational level refers to the organisational vision, mission, goals, objectives, plans, and strategies; on a personal level, direction means one’s career aspirations and plans. Working out what the knowledge and skill gap is for any organisation is a core activity without which poor performance is assured. On their own, neither of these two features, direction and skills, is sufficient. The core feature that guarantees that the employee will perform at a high level is motivation.
