What Motivates Us?

In his book Drive, Daniel Pink describes what likely motivates us to accomplish complex tasks is not money. We need to be paid fairly but more money is not the incentive to work harder on a challenging problem or be more creative. Multiple studies have shown the opposite effect. Higher monetary rewards lead to poorer performance.

What motivates us are three key elements. Autonomy, mastery and purpose. We need to have some control over our destiny and what we do. We want to get better at what we do, and we want to know why we are doing it. If what we do has purpose, that is even better.

If you want to lead a stronger team, give them the ability to manage themselves within reason. Create a venue for them to give ideas and feedback. Invest in their ability to improve their skills and be clear about “why” you are asking them to do what they are doing. Tie their roles to the greater goals and strategies of the company or their community. Making these investments will pay larger dividends than incentive bonuses at years end.