When it comes to motivation, there’s a gap between what science knows and what business does. Our current business operating system— which is built around external, carrot-and-stick motivators— doesn’t work and often does harm. We need an upgrade. And the science shows the way. This new approach has three essential elements: (1) Autonomy— the desire to direct our own lives; (2) Mastery— the urge to make progress and get better at something that matters; and (3) Purpose— the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves.
A must read for every manager, Daniel Pink: Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us