Daniel Pink presents the science of motivation and looks at how business is getting it wrong.
The science of motivation presents more evidence that money is NOT the bottom line – really. If Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose are the most effective incentives for motivation then how detrimental to growth and innovation are quarterly bonuses and profit sharing in all industries?
It is also apparent that, when aligning this information with theories like Umair Hauqe’s “Saving Strategy from Strategists” and Fred Wilson’s “Freemium Business Model,” that our current business model of management hierarchy and monetary gain as the ultimate focus is doomed to fail under the pressure of authenticity and meaning.
If we dig even deeper we see that the results of this experiment also align with the rules of engagement for success in the social web (authenticity, transparency, community, conversation, and participation). And these “rules” and really guidelines that have been established by the whole of the internet community – organically. As if to suggest that our natural state of being is starting to push through the hundred plus years of industry business model to create ways of doing business that is more authentically HUMAN.
We WANT meaning and purpose, we want to feel like we matter and are contributing to a bigger cause. When money is the motivating factor, we narrow our focus and sacrifice any emotional reward. It doesn’t feed the deeper part of who we are that yearns for experience. This in turn inhibits innovation and creativity.
The social web is about community. We often tell our clients that you cannot approach social media with a dollar sign as a benchmark of success, it will guarantee minimal or no return. Where our clients have focued on community. value, and meaning – they are finding greater reward than money. They are cultivating a long term relationship with people that will GUARANTEE success monetarily – because that is no longer the sole motivation.