Here are some statements for you to ponder. True or false: People work harder and better the more money you pay them. Human beings are inherently lazy creatures and must be threatened with punishment or rewarded with treats if you want them to be productive. The best way to improve your bottom line is to meticulously monitor and control every aspect of your employees’ jobs, hours, and production levels.
The surprising (and scientifically proven) conclusion of Drive? False, on all counts. The author, Daniel H. Pink, argues that the foregoing mindset was a hallmark of “Motivation 2.0,” which has ruled the roost for at least the last century. While Pink acknowledges that in the past this mindset may have been in some cases correct (mostly for extremely rote and mundane tasks), in the modern marketplace with its need for creativity, innovation, and invention, what we need is “Motivation 3.0.” The cornerstones of the new motivation are 1) autonomy, 2) mastery, and 3) purpose.
While that may strike old-school disciplinarians as a ludicrous way to try to run a staff, Pink makes a very compelling and convincing argument that it is actually the case. He cites many examples of modern and forward-looking companies that have implemented certain aspects of a Motivation 3.0 workplace with great financial success. These experiments have also created happier and more productive employees. Perhaps the most surprising conclusion of Pink’s is that people aren’t really motivated all that much by money. While it is certainly true that the pay must be reasonable and fair, beyond that studies have shown that people are actually much happier when they are given freedom over how and when they do their jobs, the chance to stretch their abilities and their minds in the direction of mastery, and the opportunity to work towards a higher purpose that they believe in. If you want to get to the bottom of what really motivates you or those who work for you, this book will definitely give you some food for thought and some interesting experiments to try.
Author: Daniel H. Pink
Publisher: Riverhead Books
List Price: $26.95