Essential motivational theory reading

Absolutely brilliant! A must for anyone interested in motivational theory. Pink et al review the previous research behind motivational theory ('sticks and carrots') and demonstrate why this is no longer appropriate for changes in the type of work that our society and business now needs and can, in many circumstances, result in poorer performance. The authors then review the research base over the last ten years, pointing to three main factors (autonomy, mastery and purpose) that research has demonstrated effect type I (intrinsic) motivation, with examples from business. The authors helpfully suggest some techniques you might employ in yuour own organisation to tap into type I motivation.

24 people found this helpful

Good insight, makes you think

Delivered by the author with a strident style, this book made me think about motivation and how I might apply some ideas in the workplace. There are some sweeping assertions in the book, and a few logical leaps, but the main points are well argued and compelling. Well worth a listen.

11 people found this helpful

Fantastic Listen!

I heard about Dan Pink at work via a Ted Talk on Youtube. That talk appears to be a summation of his book. His theories on motivation are explained in very easy to understand terms, using very well described examples and studies. It's a great tale of what can and does motivate us and why we're driven (or not) to do achieve or act. He consistently pushes home reasons why the carrot and stick approach only works for so long and why it works for some people and not others. He cites examples of how organisations benefit from making use of this understanding, often inherently, with how they treat their staff. Autonomy and mastery or two areas he keeps highlighting as the new way to generate motivation within companies, groups and organisations. An excellent listen.

4 people found this helpful

Short-term inspiration

I enjoyed listening to Daniel H Pink on my drive to work and found the audiobook to be motivational while I was listening to it. However his inspiration has worn off somewhat a few weeks later. There were some interesting insights in there and I’m sure my approach to life has changed since listening to the book. Great to have the author narrating his own work. I'll certainly be listening to it again.

9 people found this helpful

Why do I do what I do?

A short book on how motivation for work has changed over time and what you can do to leverage that drive in your favour. Daniel Pink is a competent narrator and knows his subject matter, delivered in an easy going style. The book is structured so that the ideas that are introduced can be acted upon. There are some bullet point action lists, quick recaps of chapters and well stocked list on further reading books.

I enjoyed it and hope to test the section that applies to personal career development, bringing up intrinsically motivated kids and some further reading particularly Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

3 people found this helpful

Facinating and mind bending in a good way

I have almost finished this book. It keeps pushing idea's and probable thruths into my mind and in a very easy and likeable way. My perspective was to find some better motivation for my work. It certainly fulfilled my needs.

6 people found this helpful

Interesting story on motivational theory but..

Interesting story on motivational theory but I found the speed of narration too fast in some places especially when introducing new terminologies, names etc. I also feel that the structure could be improved by stating what the conclusions of a line of thinking are before going on a supportive narrative. As an audio book it's more difficult to return exactly to a previous location so more sign posting in the text would help.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent.

What a great book. Well structured and read. The author is clearly passionate about the subject. Lots of great tips.

1 person found this helpful

When will business wake up?

Brings together a large amount of research to offer a compelling argument for 'intrinsic' motivation.

1 person found this helpful

Shows how to make work and life engaging

What did you like most about Drive?

It had a clear framework to understand the author's point - that current motivation methods are broken and how to motivate myself and others without the Carrot and the Stick.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A - nofiction

Which character – as performed by Daniel H. Pink – was your favourite?

N/A - nofiction

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I listened to it while driving - the Rolling University, as Zig Zigglar puts it.

3 people found this helpful