Drive

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

by Daniel H. Pink

EbookFirst published 2009Psychology★★★★★ 4.0 (4 reviews)

Why read it

A readable argument that rewards and penalties work less well than we think for creative work. A good counterweight to points-and-badges thinking.

Key ideas

1. Carrots and sticks help with routine tasks but can hurt work that needs creativity.
2. Autonomy, mastery and purpose are stronger long-term motivators.
3. Paying people fairly takes money off the table so intrinsic motivation can do its job.