Childhood games are so ingrained in our memories as fun experiences that we forget why we played them in the first place. For example, “Simon Says” seeks to teach children self-control, teach the importance of following directions and establish respect for an authority figure.

Unfortunately, “Simon Says” falls woefully short in advancing children's development, because it fails to harness their inner motivation. The essence of this game is to mindlessly follow Simon’s orders -- no questions asked -- because Simon said so. But "Simon Says" is a game better suited for molding unmotivated (but obedient) drones, not the leaders of tomorrow.

It’s certainly not the way you want to train your successors -- at work or at home.

As a leader, if you find that your task-delegation style is limited to “the boss says,” you owe it to those following in your footsteps to work on boosting your motivational strategies. Ideally, your role as leader is to not only ensure that your followers are performing well, but to understand why they need to perform well and to have the desire to up their game.

The takeaway: You shouldn’t be playing an endless workflow game of “Simon Says”; you should be motivating your successors with “Follow the Leader.”

Lead by example to set the tone.

The best way to utilize your leadership skills, to motivate your employees, your children or anyone else who looks up to you is to set the right tone in everything you do. You have to understand that their roles depend on their assumption that you know what you’re doing. You have to exude confidence and moxie in everything you do.

A great example of a leader who was a master of motivation was the famous Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller. Puller is famously quoted as saying, “They’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us . . . they can’t get away this time.” His poise and brash confidence gave his troops peace and purpose in even the most psychologically demanding environments.

Though it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to lead your successors into battle, here are two more tips for motivating your “troops.”

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