Hate to beat a dead horse, but I also agree a project manager’s motivation is helpful and needed in any project. I also think it’s beneficial to have a good understand of why were doing what were doing. I said in the other post that I’ve always believed I would be doing important and impactful work. Having someone believe in you and counting on you to get the best work you can make out there, and knowing you’re going to help someone is some of the most powerful motivation. Though I do see what other says about how a managers motivation may not be enough. You also want to have security and a supportive staff. If you do something wrong, I wouldn’t want the PM just saying “I believe in you”. I would want to know what I can do to make it better, who I can talk to, work with, etc.
I agree with what dag56 said that if he was project manager he would motivate his team through monetary incentives, public recognition, and a simple small reward system. I think all of those aspects are a great incentive to work hard.