A shortcut through a graveyard made the walk home considerably shorter, so this was the weekly route for some. One night a man fell into an deep open grave which had just been dug. After struggling for some time, he realized he could not get out, so he just sat in a corner to wait for daylight and help. When people think about motivating others, family members, employees, students, teams, or members of organization, their idea usually is to get them together and give a pep talk, either a rousing one of encouragement, or a dressing down with an exhortation to do better in the future.
Pep talks can have their place, but often they wear off by the second half of the game.
Some suggestions which might have more permanent influence are based on the principle that rarely can you make people do things, but you can create circumstances under which they want to, and even get satisfaction out of the fact that they did. Ask others for advice. Many employers, teachers, or parents mistakenly consider it demeaning to ask someone under them for advice. However, not only do some amazingly helpful ideas come out of doing this, but it also imparts a good feeling, and it gives that person a sense of truly being part of the organization with opinions that are valued. Suggestion boxes are good, but there is nothing like a personal approach.