Sweet Enlow

Like many aspects of life, I am at odds with much of the conventional wisdom that resonates throughout.  Of course, its worse because I am in the military.  Occasionally though, I will find an another person who feels much like me and my most recent is Daniel Pink.

I stumbled upon his first book “A Whole New Mind” last summer and I loved it – I literally read it in one day.  I was in the middle of Field Training and I gave it to my buddies out there and they felt the same way.  I highly, highly recommend it for anyone, particularly my friends who are about to enter the “Workforce.”  (http://www.amazon.com/Whole-New-Mind-Right-Brainers-Future/dp/1594481717/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266794420&sr=8-1)

This post, however, is about his second book that I just finished – DRiVE

All have heard the classic cliché resembling something like “well, you know, incentives are the key to everything.”  What Pink finds is that is, in fact, not true (not necessarily at least). 

Pink argues that the motivational structure throughout organizations today is lacking , something he calls ”Motivation 2.0.” Under 2.0, if something is wanted/needed the people in charge simply try to incentive the person in order to get the desired results.  Initially it may boost performance, but ultimately it leads to a lack of creativity and burn-out.  What Pink argues is that if you really want people to become motivated, you have to give them three things: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.  He calls this/these “Motivation 3.0.”

Of course this is at complete odds with conventional business wisdom which relies almost entirely on “carrot and sticks.”  Yet, Pink does state that some companies are beginning to understand 3.0 and the benefits that can be accrued.  For example, a small software company sets aside 20% of the work week for the employees to work on whatever they choose.  What happened was that the things created/worked on during this 20% generated more earnings than the traditional work the other 80% of the time.  Best Buy in their corporate sector is now working in a “Results only working enviroment” whereby each employee decides their own hours.

Interesting stuff…

Pink is definitely a trendy author, and, yes, he does use a MacBook, but his message is clear and powerful.  Every organization should make this book mandatory.

http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594488843/ref=pd_sim_b_1

watch the video as well

I am not ashamed to say that some of the best books I have ever read came off of Tucker Max’s Book recommendations.  The best, though, are Robert Greene’s books, The 48 Laws of Power, 33 Strategies of war, and The Art of Seduction.

I love history, but I do understand some of my friends arguments that, at times, it can be very dry.  In addition to being arguably the most important discipline to master educationally, I feel that if history is facilitated well, it can be some of the most stimulating material one can ever come across.  This is what Green does over his three books.

Greene’s 48 laws are much like Machiavelli’s “Prince” in that Greene explains methods to get to the top, regardless of morals.  He shows that certain types (law) of action and attitudes equate to success.  Greene does this by taking poignant examples in history and briefly describing their importance.  He then concludes with an analysis of the event.  For example, one of the first law is something like “Never outshine your master” with (I think) the example of Kissinger and Nixon his story.  Extremely stimulating… if you read it

Greene’s 33 strategies of War are similar to his 48 laws, but obviously revolve more around the history of warfare.  I find this highly interesting due to my military background, but Greene does a great job equating it to everyday life.

Lastly, Greene’s Art of Seduction takes the biggest players in history, both men and women, and analyzes why they are so appealing.  Honestly, some of the most fascinating profiles I have ever read.  I highly suggest this for just pure entertainment, let alone the history.  I promise you that reading this will make you think of someone you know closely with each chapter.

Loving to read, and haven read a lot of books, these 3 are definitely at the top of my list.  Check them…