REVIEW: “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink

March 20, 2011

From page 203, a great summary:

“When it comes to motivation, there’s a gap between what science knows and what business does. Our current business operating system — which is built around external, carrot-and-stick motivators — doesn’t work and often does harm. We need an upgrade. And the science shows the way. This new approach has three essential elements: (1) Autonomy — the desire to direct our own lives; (2) Mastery — the urge to get better and better at something that matters; and (3) Purpose — the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves.”

That’s basically what this book is all about. There are chapters devoted to each of those three ingredients, expanding them more, and using evidence from scientists and researchers, and the studies they’ve done.

The book starts off by using a computer analogy, likening the way business management used to be done to an older operating system (see the quote, above), and the new management system to an upgrade. He calls one Motivation 2.0, and the other (new) one, Motivation 3.0. He also says there are two types of people… those who are Type X (who use extrinsic motivation), and those who are Type I (who use intrinsic motivation).

I loved the examples the author gave of a new business model called a ROWE: Results-Oriented Work Environment! This is precisely the kind of thing I’d like to see in my own workplace (not that I think it’d work out where I’m at…). I would love to work somewhere where this new thinking was in place! It’s fantastic!

I loved, too, how this book really touches on the human element of things, and says how we need to move toward that instead of ignoring it. For example, the author writes: “And we know that the richest experiences in our lives aren’t when we’re clamoring for validation from others, but when we’re listening to our own voice — doing something that matters, doing it well, and doing it in the service of a cause larger than ourselves.” (p.146)

This is a really inspiring book! It’s another one that kept me up late at night, trying to finish it. Definitely recommended, especially if you’re in management (but, even if you’re not). The book is very down-to-earth, and not hard to read. I’d say it’s maybe a “medium-brain-power-required” type of book.