2025 TEBR Must Reads: Motivation at Work—What Truly Drives Performance, Growth, and Engagement

Motivation at work is being quietly rewritten—and many leaders haven’t noticed yet.

The old playbook of incentives, pressure, and surface-level engagement is losing its power in 2025. In its place, new questions are emerging: Why do high performers still burn out? Why do capable professionals doubt themselves? Why do some teams thrive while others stagnate—despite having similar resources?

In this curated 2025 TEBR Must Reads on Motivation, The European Business Review brings together ten of our most insightful articles exploring what truly drives people at work today—beyond clichés, quick fixes, and outdated management myths. Drawing on psychology, leadership research, and real-world experience, these pieces tackle everything from imposter syndrome and introversion to courage, emotional energy, AI-era career resilience, and the hidden cost of always saying “yes.”

Whether you are a leader seeking to inspire sustainable performance, or a professional navigating ambition, confidence, and growth in an increasingly complex workplace, these articles offer sharp thinking—and a practical perspective—on motivation that actually lasts.

1. Motivation Myths: Why Carrots and Sticks are Failing Your Team

By Amy Bran

The effectiveness of traditional incentives is being questioned as leaders realize that extrinsic rewards alone often fail to sustain engagement and performance. Amy Bran, a leadership consultant and author, explores why relying solely on carrots and sticks can undermine motivation and what approaches truly drive teams to excel. Her insights help managers understand how to cultivate intrinsic motivation, fostering an environment where employees take ownership and innovate naturally. The key message is that meaningful recognition and autonomy often achieve results far beyond superficial rewards.

2. From Self-Doubt to Success: Conquering Imposter Syndrome  to Thrive in Business and Career

By Lior Arussy

Many high-achieving professionals struggle with self-doubt, questioning their competence despite tangible success. Lior Arussy, a customer experience and leadership expert, highlights how imposter syndrome manifests and the strategies individuals can use to overcome it. By understanding these patterns, professionals can reclaim confidence, make more decisive career moves, and lead with authenticity. Learning to navigate self-doubt not only strengthens personal resilience but also improves leadership presence and decision-making under pressure.

3. Not the Loudest Person in the Room? An Introvert’s Guide to Being Noticed at Work

By Sissel Heiberg

Introverted professionals often feel overlooked in environments that reward extroversion. Sissel Heiberg, a workplace strategist and leadership coach, offers practical guidance for introverts to be seen and heard without changing their natural style. By leveraging their strengths—deep thinking, careful listening, and strategic insight—introverts can gain recognition and influence in meetings, projects, and career opportunities. The overarching lesson is that impact is not about volume; it is about clarity, preparation, and deliberate contribution.

4. Presentations, Speeches, and Talks: Getting the Gift of the Gab

By Adrian Furnham

Public speaking remains a critical skill for advancing influence and leadership, yet many professionals struggle to communicate effectively. Adrian Furnham, a psychologist and author, examines techniques for structuring presentations, managing nerves, and engaging audiences. His perspective demonstrates that mastering communication enhances credibility, inspires teams, and opens doors to professional advancement. By embracing these practices, individuals can transform apprehension into confidence and deliver messages that resonate.

5. Jobs – and What They Taught Me

By Adrian Furnham

Careers are a journey of learning, experimentation, and adaptation. Adrian Furnham reflects on his professional experiences, distilling lessons about resilience, decision-making, and growth from a variety of roles. By examining the transferable skills and insights gained from each position, readers can identify how to apply lessons learned to new challenges. The underlying message is that every role—big or small—offers opportunities to strengthen capability, build confidence, and prepare for future leadership.

6. 3 Reasons Saying ‘Yes’ is Stalling Your Professional Growth

By Katia Vlachos

Saying ‘yes’ indiscriminately can dilute focus, trap professionals in reactive routines, and lead to burnout. Katia Vlachos, a reinvention coach and author, explains why strategic refusal is crucial for career advancement. By aligning commitments with priorities, delegating thoughtfully, and protecting personal energy, leaders can maximize impact and foster growth for themselves and their teams. The practical insight is that judiciously managing agreements allows individuals to maintain high performance while avoiding overwhelm.

7. How to Set Teams Up for Success

By Gina Battye

High-performing teams thrive not because of trendy frameworks, but when leaders create clear structures, define expectations, respect boundaries, and understand personalities. Gina Battye, founder of the Psychological Safety Institute, emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, open communication, and collaborative alignment. Leaders who foster clarity and accommodate diverse work styles enable teams to perform at their best, innovate consistently, and adapt to change. The main takeaway is that intentional design of team dynamics produces sustainable results.

8. Why Great Teams Need Both the Positive Emotions of Sustaining and Striving

By Nic Marks

Successful teams balance stability with ambition, and emotions play a pivotal role in this dynamic. Nic Marks, statistician and founder of Friday Pulse, identifies sustaining emotions like calmness and connection, alongside striving emotions like enthusiasm and drive, as essential for collective success. Understanding this balance helps teams remain productive while fostering creativity, resilience, and engagement. The insight is that cultivating both emotional states enables organizations to thrive amid evolving challenges.

9. 5 Ways Courage Helps Unlock Your Potential

By Hilton Misso

Progress often depends on taking action despite uncertainty, and courage is the catalyst. Hilton Misso, entrepreneur and leadership coach, introduces the 5 Cs Growth Loop—purpose, courage, challenge, capability, and confidence—as a model for personal and professional development. By consistently embracing challenges and building momentum, individuals expand their skills, resilience, and impact. The key lesson is that potential grows when risk is met with intentional action and sustained effort.

10. 7 Ways to Beat AI and Supercharge Your Career Progression

By Tony Frost

In an AI-driven world, traditional career success factors are no longer sufficient. Tony Frost, leadership coach and author, outlines seven accelerants—including planning, feedback, deliberate practice, mentorship, emotional intelligence, executive presence, and personal branding—that equip professionals to stay competitive. Applying these strategies methodically allows individuals to develop capabilities, strengthen visibility, and seize leadership opportunities. The practical outcome is that combining skill growth with strategic self-management ensures long-term career momentum.

Shaping a Future-Ready Professional Path

These ten pieces collectively illustrate that thriving in today’s complex work environment requires more than technical skill. Leaders and professionals who integrate strategic thinking, human-centered leadership, emotional intelligence, and deliberate career development are best positioned to succeed. By embracing these insights, readers can navigate change, unlock growth opportunities, and lead with clarity, resilience, and impact in the years ahead.