Dan Pink: Drive (2009)

 

Introduction: This book made a big impression on first reading - and it still stands the test of time. Well referenced and well written, the three key take-aways are simple to remember (if harder to implement).

Dan Pink's Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (first published 2009) takes us on a journey through the science of motivation and challenges our attitudes to rewards and punishments.

The book looks at three key elements that boost our intrinsic motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

These factors, Pink argues, lead to higher employee engagement, more creativity, and long-term success and job satisfaction.

Three Takeaways:

  1. Autonomy: People are more motivated when they have control over how they do their work. Trusting people to make decisions themselves fosters creativity and increases levels of satisfaction.

  2. Mastery: The desire to get better at something that matters is a powerful motivator. We thrive when we are challenged (think stretch zone, not panic zone), and given opportunities to improve. Even better when we can track our progress and achieve goals too.

  3. Purpose: People are more engaged when they feel their work has purpose and meaning. Either Purpose with a 'big' P (e.g. making the world a better place) or purpose with a 'little' p (e.g. personal significance - mentoring others). Connecting tasks to a broader mission can drive motivation beyond just financial incentives (i.e. salary and benefits).

Summary: In Drive Pink’s research highlights the importance of shifting people's workplace practices from prioritising extrinsic rewards (money, targets) to intrinsic motivators (purpose, learning).