Why Germany doesn't need motivational speakers – it already has pessimism in abundance.

Do you know the difference between a German motivational speaker and a cosmetic surgeon? The cosmetic surgeon at least promises tangible results. The motivational speaker, on the other hand, sells you the good feeling that you'll do everything differently starting tomorrow – and as we all know, tomorrow never comes.

Welcome to the wondrous world of motivational speakers, where "You can do it!" becomes a mantra and "Think positive!" is the universal answer to everything – from burnout to company audits. In Germany, however, these feel-good gurus encounter a particularly difficult audience: people who consider "That's how we've always done it" to be an innovative approach.

As a PhD in business psychology and a change agent, I observe daily that the classic motivational speaker is about as out of place in Germany as a snowman in the Sahara. While in the US Tony Robbins has his audience walk across hot coals, the German public would first demand a risk assessment and a TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) certificate for the coals.

The Motivational Speaker Formula

The formula for the average motivational speaker is actually quite simple:

- Add a pinch of personal trauma

- Add three spoons of "From Dishwasher to Millionaire"

- Spice it up with "Anything is possible!"

- Garnish with a touch of "You just have to want it!"

- And serve it on a bed of PowerPoint slides

The problem? Germans don't believe in miracles – they believe in processes. While an American motivational speaker shouts, "The sky's the limit!", the German thinks to himself, "Wait a minute, we'd need a flight permit for that."

When the best motivational speakers give a presentation

A true motivational speaker needs one thing above all – an audience ready to be motivated. In Germany, however, the prevailing attitude is: only after all eventualities have been considered, all risks analyzed, and all worst-case scenarios played through, can we cautiously consider whether we might allow ourselves a little optimism.

The typical German motivational speaker doesn't have it easy with his speeches. While his international colleagues shout "Yes, you can!", he first has to explain why one should even bother doing things differently if the old way still works. It's like trying to teach a fish to ride a bicycle – theoretically possible, but practically rather difficult.

Can a keynote address give a leader a boost?

But perhaps this is precisely the opportunity for a new generation of motivational speakers. Instead of exuberant optimism, Germany needs speakers who understand that "That's impossible!" is often just the prelude to "...but we could do it this way." Change management in Germany doesn't mean walking on hot coals, but rather convincing the fire safety officer that innovation poses no threat to operational safety.

Using change management to build resilience?

To all event organizers out there:

So you're looking for a motivational speaker for your next event? Let me guess:

- The speaker should be motivating, but not too much – we don't want to raise unrealistic expectations.

Innovation is desired, but only within the framework of the existing system.

Disruption sounds good as long as it doesn't actually mess things up.

And please, no American success stories – we are in Germany!

How about a speaker instead who understands that German change works differently? Who knows that "We've never done it that way before" is sometimes just a polite way of saying "Brilliant, let's try it!"?

About the author

Dr. Stephan Meyer is the director of an institute for corporate modernization and has achieved the impossible: He motivates Germans to change – without resorting to drastic measures. As a change agent, he shows companies how they can leave their comfort zone without alienating the works council.

Are you looking for a motivational speaker who can not only inspire and motivate your employees, but also provide the corresponding risk assessment?