Drive — Review & Summary (Daniel H. Pink)
Overview
- Author: Daniel H. Pink
- Published: 2009
- Genre: Motivation, Psychology
- Length: ~260 pages
- Language: English
Short Summary
Explains why carrot‑and‑stick incentives fail for creative work. Proposes Motivation 3.0—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—as the drivers of performance.
Key Takeaways
- Give autonomy over task, time, team, and technique.
- Design for mastery: deliberate practice + feedback.
- Connect daily work to a larger purpose.
- Use rewards sparingly; avoid crowding out intrinsic drive.
Notable Quotes
“Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement.”
Who Should Read This Book?
Leaders, educators, and individuals who want sustainable motivation beyond bonuses and threats.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Research‑backed model.
- Clear applications at work/school.
- Great for culture design.
Cons:
- Less granular tactics.
- Some examples dated.
Final Verdict
A must‑read for understanding modern motivation. Build systems around autonomy, mastery, purpose.