Napoleon

I think Napoleon may have simply put down the basics of motivation theories long before the likes of Maslow approached the issue from an economic and managerial point of view. In fact, if we look at a business organization today, these are the two most important incentives that would generally fit at least 80 % of the employees. Certainly, some would be “moved” by motivations such as pleasant working environment, challenging work etc. However, the percentage mentioned would have the interest to climb the corporate ladder and the fear of letting opportunities get by them.

I would add to these two levers something that Napoleon surely didn’t lack: charisma and leadership. Soldiers didn’t follow him thousands and thousands of kilometers throughout Europe because of interest and probably not because of fear either. It must have been something else, maybe that small black hat and the “Little Corporal” nickname.