I get that, but my proposal is the same thing. The shareholders could indicate that the only reason they are sending the money is because he met the targets. Therefore he knows that he got the money for meeting target -- precisely the same outcome whether from the company coffers or from individual investors.

Those billions could have gone directly to shareholders as dividends, or reinvested in the company for future growth. Either of these would be better at making money for investors. I question the logic that giving it to Elon will motivate him any differently than a lesser, but still very generous compensation would have.

It is presumed here that money is what is driving Elon (or other already billionaires). This is only ever partially true. People like him also love the power of being in charge and notoriety. Those are likely worth more than the money for Elon in particular. The board and investors should, as is their fiduciary duty, pay the minimum needed to keep him doing what he's doing.