Ideas worth spreading

The puzzle of motivation

29,528,642 views | Dan Pink • TEDGlobal 2009

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Sign up for a Drive workshop and find out what motivates you.

About the speaker

Daniel H. Pink

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Daniel H. Pink is the author of several provocative, bestselling books about business, work, creativity and behavior.

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Readings on self-determination theory

Much of the work I write about in Drive comes out of the University of Rochester. You can find a great selection of academic papers on self-determination theory online.

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Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Sign up for a Drive workshop and find out what motivates you.