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Motivation Styles and Performance: What Science Teach Us About Leadership

Motivating others isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about pushing smarter

By Uriel Fleicher, Co-Founder & Editor in Chief at The Elite OfficerApril 23, 20263 min read

Uriel Fleicher | Editor in Chief & Co-founder at The Elite Officer

April 23, 2026.

Why do some people get fired up by the thrill of winning, while others are driven by the fear of losing? Neuroscience has a fascinating answer — and the way we apply it can define whether we unlock someone’s full potential or unknowingly shut them down.

Cognitive science identifies two main motivational systems in our brain:

We all have both systems.

About the author

Uriel Fleicher

Co-Founder & Editor in Chief at The Elite Officer

Uriel Fleicher is the Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The Elite Officer. Originally from Argentina, Uriel is an attorney with a strong academic background, holding a Master’s degree in Business Law and currently pursuing an MBA. Today, through The Elite Officer, his mission is to educate, empower, and connect loan officers, lenders, service providers, and real estate investors while creating meaningful visibility for the people driving the industry forward.