What motivates you: Discovering drive beyond the office walls

Being able to work from anywhere still catches me off guard. It just shows how much autonomy means for my happiness and motivation. The freedom to choose place of work is not just about the view outside my window; it’s about understanding what drives me.

I recently read Daniel H. Pink’s “Drive.” The book, which sat on my shelf for far too long, finally caught my attention. The question of what motivates us, our teams is one that is often discussed in my coaching sessions.

Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation: The heart of drive

Pink talks about intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and its impact on outcomes. He challenges the traditional reliance on monetary incentives. And he goes so far to even question their effectiveness in achieving better results. To many industries this is frankly a new perspective. I could imagine in some industries this could even be the reason for heated discussions.

Especially when he talks about the limits of financial motivation. This could be grounds for a crucial conversation about motivation in our corporate world. What I appreciated most is the insight into deeper motivation. Motivation that any team and any leader is looking for.

Reflections on personal motivation

I can highly recommend “drive” as a must read if you want to get a new perspective on motivation. It’s an opportunity to see what can be done differently. How could we reach peak performance without focusing on monetary rewards only.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What motivates you in your work?
• Beyond the paycheck, what elements of your job ignite your enthusiasm and dedication?
• How does autonomy play a role in your motivation, and how do you seek it within your professional landscape?

It goes beyond motivating ourselves. It is about reflecting and trying to create a workspace that aligns with what we believe in. A workplace that allows us and our teams to reach goals without burning out.

For this you need to be crystal clear on your own motivation.

I invite you to share your reflections on motivation. What keeps you thriving in your work? How do you navigate the balance between intrinsic joy and external rewards?

What is missing but could be achieved? Let me know.

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