Drive

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

By: Daniel H. Pink

Narrated by: Daniel H. Pink

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best seller that gives listeners a paradigm-shattering new way to think about motivation from the author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing.

Most people believe that the best way to motivate is with rewards like money - the carrot-and-stick approach. That's a mistake, says Daniel H. Pink (author of To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Motivating Others). In this provocative and persuasive new book, he asserts that the secret to high performance and satisfaction - at work, at school, and at home - is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world. Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does - and how that affects every aspect of life. He examines the three elements of true motivation - autonomy, mastery, and purpose - and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action in a unique book that will change how we think and transform how we live.

©2009 Daniel H. Pink (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Pink makes a convincing case that organizations ignore intrinsic motivation at their peril." (Scientific American)

"Persuasive...Harnessing the power of intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic remuneration can be thoroughly satisfying and infinitely more rewarding." (Miami Herald)

"These lessons are worth repeating, and if more companies feel emboldened to follow Mr. Pink's advice, then so much the better." (Wall Street Journal)

An eye opener for learning how motivation works

A Management book that must be read by every manager and/or parent of a teenager.

The subject of motivation is long overdue for an update in philosophy of how it should be applied in the modern world both at work and at home.
I was drawn to the subject of motivation to try to learn how I can help my kid take the initiative to pursue what he loves, and I find it very informative and easy to follow.

fun to read too.

interesting information and fast paced

it's a little short on original content or synthesis, rather is a rehash of many other people's work. in addition it says very little with the inherent contradiction between unstructured, self motivated work environment and the deadline driven expectations of investors. overall good read with good data.

It was pretty good

This was not my all time favorite book, but I liked the ultimate message of the book. If you are the kind of person who likes to hear about all the studies and details of how people have arrived at a conclusion, you will probably love this book. I found that it was a little drawn out in places and I just wanted him to get to the point. However, I think the research is good and I think the message is something more people (especially those in leadership positions) should understand.

Eye-Opening Information by Mr. Pink

I never figured "If-Then" (if you do this, then you will get that) often isn't the best approach in motivating someone to do something longterm which is based off scientific studies. This for me was eye-opening. The better approach is to challenge one into engagement.

Aim to concern yourself less with the external rewards an activity brings (Type X Behavior) and more with the inherent satisfaction of an activity itself (Type I Behavior).

Autonomy
-The desire to direct our own lives.
Mastery
-The urge to get better and better at something that matters.
Purpose
-The yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves.

Great listen for any enviroment in for improvement

Where does Drive rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks within my top ten. This book is concept changing.

You will re-invent your wheel when reading this book. Your old thoughts of motivation??? Throw them away and face these new challenges of the holistic concept of team. The challenges you will face to change the way you motivate others and the results that will come from it.

This book should only be read or listened to by: parents, any work environment that need improvement, anyone that has to interact with any human being to accomplish a goal. It's a leader’s bff.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drive?

The view on how to motivate kids.

Which scene was your favorite?

Getting away from words like "should" & "must" and transitioning to "consider" & "think about". Awesome!!!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me smile.

Any additional comments?

Must read or listen for anyone that wants to be or is a leader.

Great, a little preachy

The information and stories are very good. This is very valuable for anyone looking to be better at influencing their professional world. Daniel is a bit of a crusader and that comes through too. Overall a good read and worth purchasing.

I learned alot

I learned allot about my self from listening to the this book. I also leaned how to deal with other people better.

Great read

this book give great information on how to do things differently in your business. Great book.

Interesting point of view, great tips

fluent, informative, interesting and bring up personal and managerial thoughts. great tips to apply daily

Motivation

What motivates us and others is something all leaders believe they understand. This book turns that understanding on its head and makes you rethink your approaches in numerous aspect of your life!