Discussion: Rethinking Motivation
Post 1: Initial Post
Instructions
This posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. Word totals for this post should be in the 100–200-word range. Whether you agree or disagree, explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate.
Preparation
This discussion is based on a TED Talk by Dan Pink, as well as drawing on readings from the Motivation module. Pink, a former speechwriter, career analyst, and author of the book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us reveals some remarkable facts about the motivation that have been confirmed in many social science experiments, but aren’t widely recognized. Pink argues that the way we’re motivating people is all wrong, and he proposes a new model to replace traditional incentives.
Watch Pink’s TED Talk, below:
You can view the transcript for “The Puzzle of Motivation” (opens in new window)or the text alternative for “The Puzzle of Motivation | Dan Pink” (opens in new window).
For Discussion
Please respond to both of the following questions in your initial post.
Did you find Pink’s talk surprising? Why or why not?
Pink concludes: There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Here is what science knows. One: Those 20th century rewards, those motivators we think are a natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances. Two: Those if-then rewards often destroy creativity. Three: The secret to high performance isn’t rewards and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive–the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause they matter.
How do you think managers can use this knowledge to motivate their employees? How will you use this knowledge in your own pursuits?
Discussion: What Makes a Good Leader?
Post 1: Initial Post
Instructions
This posting should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. Word totals for this post should be in the 100–200-word range. Whether you agree or disagree, explain why with supporting evidence and concepts from the readings or a related experience. Include a reference, link, or citation when appropriate.
For Discussion
Choose ONE of the following questions to respond to in your initial post.
Review the leadership traits identified in your reading. Which trait do you think is most important for a leader to possess? Which do you think is least important? Explain your choices.
- Your reading included examples of poor leadership, including Martin Winterkorn at Volkswagen and Carrie Tolstedt at Wells Fargo. Under these leaders, employees acted unethically, resulting in harm to customers as well as the business. Choose an example of poor leadership from your reading or elsewhere, and explain what you think the leader could have done differently. What role did the leader’s situation play in his or her actions? What would you have done in a similar situation?
- Think of a person you consider to be a good leader. Does this person possess some of the traits of a good leader discussed in your reading? How would you describe his or her leadership style? Be specific, using terms from your reading.
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