Here's a novel thought for CEOs and managers who like to challenge and inspire. Let's save the posturing and bullshit, and the motivational histrionics, and ask instead for the possible. Do the possible, do it well, and deliver it on time.

If it's necessary to do the impossible, it's more than likely the result of a management error, and you need your ass covered. I'll give it a try, but only if I'm compensated for it. I'm too old and too cynical to be impressed by this nonsense.

I don't need to be inspired, I'm a professional and I'm good at what I do. Just pay me properly for my work, and stay out of my way.