Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

“If-then rewards... are great for algorithmic tasks but they can be devastating for heuristic ones.”

Carrots and sticks actually crush creativity. External rewards work for simple tasks but make complex problem solving much harder.

“Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement.”

Human beings have a natural drive to be self-directed. We want to be the ones steering our own ships.

“The best use of money as a motivator is to pay people enough to take the issue of money off the table.”

Money is only a motivator until people feel they are paid fairly. After that, extra cash won't make them work better.

“Mastery is an asymptote.”

Mastery is a mindset that requires a long view. It involves the painful, slow process of getting better at something that matters.