Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us, by Daniel Pink
I recommend this book a lot. Why? Because it tells a valuable lesson for nonprofits. As you’ll see, Pink contends that motivation rests on three pillars: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose.
Autonomy: Many (most? all?) nonprofits never have enough money to carry out their mission. That financial stress can translate into staff who wear many hats and make independent decisions. They exercise autonomy.
Mastery: Nonprofit employment is often the starting point in a career, or the inflection point for mid-career workers seeking meaningful employment. That can result in a lot of personal and professional growth as they learn their new jobs. Dedication to the organization’s mission drives a thirst for Mastery – learning how to do their job well – in these and other nonprofit staff.
Purpose: Nonprofits own purpose. More than any other kind of organization in our economy, nonprofits are built on a Purpose, called their mission. Every job in a nonprofit should be connected to the nonprofit’s mission – and every nonprofit worker needs to know their contribution is meaningfully attached to a Purpose.
Notice how money isn’t part of this equation? Read the book and find out why – and how it can be a real benefit to your nonprofits. Plus, you’ll find some other great tips, too.
Thanks to RSA Animate for producing these free videos, an animated presentation about Drive (11 minutes), and Pink’s talk on his book (42 minutes):
Want the book? Get Drive on Amazon, today
