In his TED talk, Dan Pink notes that when it comes to motivation, there is a “mismatch between what science knows and business does.” He is referring, of course, to the fact that many organizations rely on “carrot and stick” techniques emphasizing external rewards to motivate workers, whereas there is instead a great deal of evidence to suggest that intrinsic motivation is much more effective and much more sustainable. Think of two work or academic situations in which you have been a) very motivated, or b) very unmotivated. Using what you have learned about motivation and management, try to identify the aspects of the particular work or academic situation in which you felt motivated or not. Can you identify particular aspects of the situation (the leadership? the colleagues? the rewards?) that made you feel the way you did? Please write a 2-3 page (double-spaced) reaction paper addressing these questions – maybe you can use some of this information to get “into the zone” next time you need some extra motivation!

LINKS:
1. http://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_the_paradox_of_choice
2. http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation

READINGS:
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