Subtitled: The surprising truth about what motivates us
This book definitely surprised me with some mind-bending research!
My top takeaway? I FINALLY understood why creative types and those working on creative or experimental projects, aren’t motivated by the standard type of goals which are geared around an if-then approach. “If you create 10 designs, THEN you’ll get to leave early.”
Sure, the designer might create those 10 designs and then leave early, but the designs will be just enough to get the job done. They won’t be nearly as innovative as they could be.
These people want – are motivated by – honest praise and specific feedback AFTER the work is complete , especially if it provides useful information rather than an attempt to control.
I wish I’d had this book when I first started an in-house creative department at a large credit union some 20 years ago. Thankfully, both my boss and then his boss understood the importance of leading creatives with a different approach than standard corporate manager tactics. They gave us plenty of leeway when it came to exploring ideas, off-site inspiration days, and lots of unique training options, but to have the science behind why those were working would’ve helped me be more strategic and intentional.
Because I can tell you, what they say about motivating creatives is like herding cats is true – but this book offers fantastic frameworks to get those cats moving in one direction.
And I count myself as one of those creatives – I’ve always been fascinated by why hard number goals don’t motivate me – and this book showed me why.
With all the research Pink gathered and analyzed, we now have three essential elements to instill motivation:
- Autonomy the desire to direct our own lives
- Mastery the urge to make progress and get better at something that matters and
- Purpose the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves
So if you’re interested in ramping up your motivation or your team’s get this book and get it fast! It’s easy to read and implement. I absolutely recommend this one.
