Abstract
M.Phil.
At some time in our lives, we all try to be the best we can be, to realise our full potential. This
can be done by demonstrating personal and professional leadership. However, there are
certain problems that could prevent a person from being the best he can be. According to
Covey (1989:15-16) there are general problems that the majority of people experience:
The realisation that he is focusing on things that aren't really his first priority in life eg. work
instead of family which leads to the question: "Is it worth it?";
Not being able to stay focused on a specific goal -usually because it is not clear;
A search for meaning or purpose in one's life - experiencing a deep sense of inner
unhappiness or "personal emptiness";
Realising that something is wrong and knowing that it needs to be fixed "...but I don't know
how".
Canfield and Hansen (1994:9-17) are of the opinion that the following reasons might prevent a
person from attaining his dreams:
A defeatist attitude, self-doubt or the feeling that he is a loser.
Believing that one is too sick to accomplish anything - languishing in his discomfort
and/or, the fear of staying sick, or getting worse.
F r (false evidence appearing real) of failure, success or anything else.
The above-mentioned problems lead to the following research questions: (1) What is
motivation and what inspires a person to implement a change in his life? (2) How can a person
stay motivated enough to keep moving in the direction of his goal and also attain it? The
research methods used in this essay were mainly, a comprehensive literature study and
concept and word analyses.
Motivation is the driving force that pushes a person towards or pulls him away from a certain
situation (Andreas & Faulkner, 1997:55-60). Maslow was of the opinion that a person is
motivated by needs and that once a need is fulfilled, the person will be motivated to attain the
next need. In this study five motivational theories are discussed and summarised in the form of
a "Generally Accepted Motivational Structure". According to these existing theories, it is clear
that there are mainly four levels of needs that need to be fulfilled: Survival, Growth, Affiliation
and Seff-transcendence. These needs also fulfill the more personal: Physical, Social, Mental
and Spiritual need. When all these needs are balanced (Covey et al., 1995:48), a person will
develop an inner synergy, his goals will become more clear and the "fire within" that drives him
forward or motivates him to attain his goal(s) will be ignited.
Knowing and understanding what motivates human beings, is a very good starting point for
PPL facilitation, that should lead to the realisation of the person's potential. PPL facilitation is
literally one person accompanying and helping another person to discover who he is, what his
values are and what he wants out of life. PPL will also show him how to set up action plans to
attain his goal(s), dream(s) or vision(s) because the attainment of a dream fills a person with a
feeling of success and accomplishment.
Keeping the "Generally Accepted Motivational Structure" in mind, the metaphor "Stepping
Stones to Success" was developed. This process is a step-by step guide for PPL facilitators,
that will help them to inspire clients to become more motivated and to want to make the
necessary changes that will help them attain their goals. This process will also help the
facilitator to show the client how to stay motivated until his goals are attained. Each one of
these stepping stones are based on existing theories and exercises.
Since one step leads to the next, a push-pull force is created which in turn acts as a driving
force towards a person's personal set goal(s), dream(s) or vision(s). The ultimate goal of life,
reaching self-transcendence, living for a purpose higher than the self or leaving an amazing
and unforgettable legacy, is always kept in sight, for when it is attained, the person will have
realised and reached his full potential. Thus the conclusion can be made that personal
leadership facilitation has a motivational value for the realisation of a person's potential.