This post will help you understand the limited power of financial incentives.

Neither of these, it seems...

What really motivates us?

AUTONOMY is the desire to be self directed. If we can’t be self directed, if we have to do things “the prescribed way”- then money will be needed to assure performance.

MASTERY all of us have a desire to get better, to improve, to have an area where we are the “expert.”  If we have the chance to get better at what we are doing, we will be motivated to do so.

PURPOSE is the reason that we jump out of bed in themorning, rather than just hit snooze. Sharing the compelling reasons for why what it is we all do matters is a key motivator for everyone in the organization.

But don’t take my word for it watch this awesome animation from RSAAnimate.

Photo credit.