Insights from ‘Drive’ by Daniel Pink

Question 1

What is the best way to motivate oneself and others for cognitively demanding work?

Answer 1

Fostering intrinsic motivation through autonomy, mastery, and purpose rather than relying on external rewards.

Question 2

True or False: Cash bonuses are effective for motivating people to solve complex problems.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Fill in the blank: External rewards like cash bonuses are effective for straightforward tasks but not for ______.

Answer 3

cognitively demanding work

Question 4

What are the three intrinsic drivers Daniel Pink identifies as key to motivation?

Answer 4

Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose

Question 5

Describe a scenario where autonomy can improve motivation in the workplace.

Answer 5

Allowing employees a dedicated day to work on any project they choose, which can lead to creative solutions and increased engagement.

Question 6

Who is Mike Cannon-Brookes, and what did he say about motivation?

Answer 6

Mike Cannon-Brookes is the co-founder of Atlassian, and he said, ‘If you don’t pay enough, you can lose people. But beyond that, money is not a motivator.’

Question 7

List the ‘Four T’s’ of autonomy according to Daniel Pink.

Answer 7

Task, Time, Technique, Team

Question 8

How did Green Cargo implement mastery in their workplace?

Answer 8

They adjusted work assignments to be slightly above employees’ skill levels, creating ‘Goldilocks tasks’ that keep employees engaged.

Question 9

What is a ‘Goldilocks task,’ and why is it important for motivation?

Answer 9

A ‘Goldilocks task’ is a task that is neither too hard nor too easy, placed just above the current skill level, keeping individuals in a motivated, engaged state.

Question 10

True or False: Matching tasks to employee skill levels can enhance feelings of mastery and engagement.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What was the result of Green Cargo’s new performance review system based on Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow?

Answer 11

Increased employee engagement and profitability for the first time in 125 years.

Question 12

What is the purpose of beginning meetings with a reminder of the company mission, according to Sheryl Sandberg?

Answer 12

It reinforces a sense of purpose, aligning employees with the organization’s goals and fostering motivation.

Question 13

Why are highly skilled doctors motivated to work for ‘Doctors Without Borders’ despite low pay and harsh conditions?

Answer 13

They are driven by a sense of purpose and the fulfillment that comes from helping others.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: ‘Control leads to _______, autonomy leads to engagement.’

Answer 14

compliance

Question 15

True or False: Purpose in work can lead to greater fulfillment and increased motivation.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

According to Daniel Pink, what innate drives do humans have that enhance motivation when liberated?

Answer 16

The drives to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another.

Question 17

How can purpose help someone stay motivated while learning a challenging subject?

Answer 17

By reminding them how mastering the subject can benefit others or contribute to the greater good.

Question 18

Which psychologist’s work did Green Cargo apply to reform their performance reviews?

Answer 18

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Question 19

Fill in the blank: When tasks fall short of an individual’s capabilities, the result is ______; when tasks exceed them, the result is ______.

Answer 19

boredom, anxiety

Question 20

According to Daniel Pink, what should one ask to spark a sense of purpose in learning or problem-solving?

Answer 20

How will learning this topic or solving this problem help others or serve the greater good?