Motivation is key to being a successful entrepreneur. We hope you enjoy this month’s selection of TED talks, which take a closer look at the driving forces behind some inspiring individuals, and how to achieve your goals in the workplace.
Dan Pink: The puzzle of motivation
“There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does.” In this TED talk, career analyst Dan Pink delves into this statement as he looks at what really motivates us to produce high quality work. He says that if managers want innovative, progressive work produced, traditional rewards will not achieve the desired result. Autonomy, mastery and purpose are the motivations he suggests for true progress.
Sarah Lewis: Embrace the Near Win
It feels good to win, but is achieving success the ultimate motivator behind professional mastery? In this thought provoking TED talk Sarah Lewis shares what she has learned through observing both artists and archery students. Her main point was that we need to value the near win. In her words, “We thrive not when we have done it all, but when we still have more to do”. Although she agrees that success is a motivator, she believes that it’s not quite reaching our goal that breeds the tenacity to propel us forward.
Dan Ariely: What makes us feel good about our work?
In this TED talk, behavioural economist Dan Ariely looks at what motivates us to work. Through various social experiments and real life situations, he points out that it’s about much more than simply growing your bank balance. Although money does play a role, he argues that in today’s economy, elements such as meaning, challenge, ownership, identity and pride must be taken into consideration if we want to be happier, more productive workers.
Were these talks useful to you? Please let us know in the comment section below.