According to Pink, everything we think we know about what motivates us is wrong. He pits the latest scientific discoveries about the mind against the outmoded wisdom that claims people can only be motivated by the hope of gain and the fear of loss. Pink cites a dizzying number of studies revealing that carrot and stick can actually significantly reduce the ability of workers to produce creative solutions to problems.
What motivates us once our basic survival needs are met is the ability to grow and develop, to realize our fullest potential. Case studies of Google’s 20 percent time (in which employees work on projects of their choosing one full day each week) and Best Buy’s Results Only Work Environment (in which employees can work whenever and however they choose—as long as they meet specific goals) demonstrate growing endorsement for this approach.
A series of appendixes include further reading and tips on applying this method to businesses, fitness and child-rearing. Drawing on research in psychology, economics and sociology, Pink’s analysis—and new model—of motivation offers tremendous insight into our deepest nature. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
“Pink makes a convincing case that organizations ignore intrinsic motivation at their peril.”
-Scientific American
“Persuasive . . .Harnessing the power of intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic remuneration can be thoroughly satisfying and infinitely more rewarding.”
–Miami Herald
“These lessons are worth repeating, and if more companies feel emboldened to follow Mr. Pink’s advice, then so much the better.”
–Wall Street Journal
“Pink is rapidly acquiring international guru status . . . He is an engaging writer, who challenges and provokes.”
–Financial Times
“Pink’s ideas deserve a wide hearing. Corporate boards, in fact, could do well by kicking out their pay consultants for an hour and reading Pink’s conclusions instead.”
-Forbes
“Pink’s deft traversal of research at the intersection of psychology and economics make this a worthwhile read-no sticks necessary.”
–SEED
“[Pink] continues his engaging exploration of how we work.”
–Inc. Magazine
“Pink’s a gifted writer who turns even the heaviest scientific study into something digestible-and often amusing-without losing his intellectual punch.”
–New York Post
“A worthwhile read. It reminds us that those of us on the right side of the brain are driven furthest and fastest in pursuit of what we love.”
–Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Pink’s analysis–and new model–of motivation offers tremendous insight into our deepest nature.”
–Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Daniel H. Pink is an American writer, speechwriter, and motivational speaker. He worked with Vice President Al Gore in the capacity of chief speechwriter from 1995–97, and before that as an aide to Secretary of Labor Robert Reich.
Twitter @danielpink
PCA Educational Technology 