How do I motivate people?

I think having to dangle that carrot in front of them works. Both in the positive (you'll get a raise) and negative (you'll lose your job) way. Being strict and stern will work, although don't be surprised if for a while you have to go through several employees until you find ones that work hard and are suitable for the job.

Heck, I still remember my mother basically giving people a 'one-day trial' (or from what I heard). If you couldn't do your job well within a day (and the job was pretty bland), then you were gone by the end of the day. It took a while for her to find some suitable employees to say the least.

Realize also that for jobs like McDonalds, people may simpily not care. They may see it as 'McDonalds' and that if they can't work there, then there is always Burger King, Hardiees or the next fast food joint. IN that case, realize that most likely they won't care what you say because they don't feel any reason to do so, job or no job.

Jam it back in, in the dark.