The Paradox of Motivation

          In Dan Pink’s talk, “The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us”, new, culture-changing ideas are brought to light on how we can be more motivated without money. Dan Pink talks in such a fast-paced, enthusiastic manner one you can just trust, just by the way he speaks, that he is very intelligent and knows his stuff. He also talks is such a way that he appeals to the younger generation, using words like “lame” or “crappy”, which helps because they will be the ones to change the world. I found it interesting how Dan brought up that people with high rewards don’t necessarily work hardest or do the best; they actually do worse. People today just aren’t as motivated by money. Yet, if you don’t pay people enough at work they aren’t motivated though, so where is the balance? If money doesn’t lead to better performance what does? Pink brings up numerous, extraordinary ideas on how to motivate the workforce besides money. The first important idea is that people like to be self-directed and have free reign. People then tend to work better this way and are more engaged. The second is that it is human nature to get better at things – people are motivated to become better by instinct. This is such a basic, simple idea yet so revolutionary. Lastly, people want to find purpose in what they do, and if you can find purpose in your job, you are more motivated to go to work and succeed at whatever you do. Suddenly, your job becomes more of a pleasureful pastime. These motivation tactics not only work better, but they also carry more personal satisfaction. Ideas like this are ones businesses, teachers, parents, everyone should hold on to. It is true; people do need money, so Pink says to pay them the perfect amount that they don't focus on the money but rather on the work. Overall there is more to work than money and profit. Lots of businesses fail that way. There has got to be more motivation than that. Mr. Pink states that these new motivations will make us all better off. The world would just be better off with businesses not focused on greed, employees looking for purpose in everything they do, and even teachers teaching students with more motivation than just good grades. This speech is yet another example of a call for change, this time though in everything we do.