Credit: Jerry Bauer
Why are we so scared to let go of the carrot and stick approach—the “Motivation 2.0” operating system?”
There are a number of reasons. First, it’s easier to offer up tangible “If then” rewards—as in “If you do this, then you’ll get that”—than it is to figure out how you can help someone get greater autonomy, move toward mastery, or live a life of purpose. And never underestimate the power of inertia. If people are used to doing something one way, it’s hard for them to unlearn that behavior even if a new behavior is better for them. And finally, there’s the curious phenomenon of people underestimating others. When I give a talk about some of these ideas people will often come up to me afterwards and say things like, “Well, you know, not everybody wants autonomy or can handle it.” I ask them, “Can you?” And invariably they say, “Yeah, but I’m different. I’m the exception.” Or they’ll say, “I’m really concerned about mastery. I want to do some of the things you’ve proposed but others don’t feel that way.” It’s like going before an audience and asking how many of you think you’re above average drivers and 99% of the people raise their hands. We’re constantly underestimating the people we work, teach, and live with.
Part of Friday series on Motivation. Series one will be quick posts with Daniel Pink, followed by a series of other motivational articles.
What motivates YOU?
Listen to the interview here > Conversation with Daniel Pink. You can download the show to iTunes by clicking the icon on the player.
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What is death? http://bit.ly/9K3JQr
[FTC disclosure: Daniel Pinks publisher sent me a copy of the book, Drive and the Q & A materials I am using here as posts]
