Learning From 'Drive': When Rewards Become De-motivating.

About a month ago, we were directed to read a book and discuss how the lessons from that book can be incorporated into our daily activities and make us perform our individual roles and collective responsibilities better on our weekly KSS sessions. I am the KSS anchor for my branch; KSS simply means the 'Knowledge Sharing Session' is usually held on Thursday mornings from 7:00am. So, I had to read, understand, digest and present the contents and teachings from the book to my colleagues.

'Drive: Surprising Truth about What Drives Us' is authored by Daniel H. Pink; Drive is the fourth non-fiction book by Daniel Pink. The book was published on December 29, 2009 by Riverhead Hardcover. In the text, he argues that human motivation is largely intrinsic, and that the aspects of this motivation can be divided into autonomy, mastery, and purpose. He argues against old models of motivation driven by rewards and fear of punishment, dominated by extrinsic factors such as money. (Source: Wikipedia.com)

Reading the book enlightened me in countless ways, it challenged the norm and explained with extensive details why rewards can be de-motivating and how to ensure that employers of labor and top management executives use rewards the right way. Motivation which is the main focus of the book was divided into two sub-headings.

- Intrinsic Motivation - a feeling of enthusiasm, interest, or commitment that makes somebody want to do something, or something that causes such a feeling. It basically explains that motivation is internally cultivated.

- Extrinsic Motivation - the act of giving somebody a reason or incentive to do something. It argues that motivation can be influenced by external forces. (Source: Encarta Dictionaries)

Moving swiftly on, the book was divided into three parts and each part discussed different branches of the topic.

v  Part 1 - 'A New Operating System' explained that it is high time employers of labor and key decision makers come to terms with the inevitable fact that rewards and punishments are inadequate management techniques. It also noted that few companies are coming up with various modifications to the 'carrots and sticks approach’ with wonderful results. This part ultimately summaries that Motivation 2.0 needs an upgrade because it is not consistent with the present socioeconomic realities of the 21^st century workplace.

v  Part 2 - 'The Three Elements' - the chapter explains the limitations of the 'carrot and stick approach'. It further explained that Motivation 2.0 does not/gives little room for the three elements - Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose which are essential for the creation of a viable atmosphere for intrinsic motivation to blossom. Hence, the need for change.

v  Part 3 - 'The Type I Toolkit' provides the much needed conclusion and advisory role for organizations to maximize their talents and ensure employees perform to the fullest of their potentials. The third part gives wonderful strategies and improvement plans for intrinsically motivated individuals to grow and inspire other to achieve great results.

Conclusively, we should not forget the essence of this write-up which is to educate every one of us about the dangers of dangling rewards at any given opportunity. As the topic suggest, rewards become de-motivating in special occasions and the author addressed the issue which various examples and illustrations which are summarized under seven 7 sub-headings. They can be found in page 20 of the 114-page book. They are listed in the below;

      They can extinguish intrinsic motivation

      They are diminish performance

      They can crush creativity

      They can crowd out good behavior

      They can encourage cheating, shortcuts and unethical behavior

      They can become addictive

      They can foster short-term thinking

On a final note, I would suggest that we take time off our often busy schedule to read, understand and familiarize ourselves with the lessons from this great and prodigious book. I promise to forward an E-copy upon the receipt of a request.

God Bless Us All

Olusanya, Oluwole Sheriff