I like to listen to books. That’s right I said listen.

You see, I have a subscription to Audible.com and every month I’ve got my choice of some of the best new books available all recorded by their original authors or professional speakers.

Today, I’m going to review the book I’ve currently got loaded in my ipod: “Drive- The surprising truth about what motivates us” By Dan Pink.

When I first heard of this book I was excited to get it right away because I’m a student of all things about motivation and mindset. I’m also very keen on interesting in-depth research and excellent articulated writing.

For me this book is a great fit.

Human motivation I think is a fascinating topic and Pink’s exhaustive research and great story telling nails it. His main thesis is stated beautifully and simply early on so you can carry it’s meaning with you through the book’s journey. It’s easy to remember because it sounds like good thinking wrapped up in sterling brevity.

Here it is: When it comes to motivation there is a huge gap between what science knows and what business (and schools) do.

Pink builds his case carefully during this 4 hour audio. He gives examples and refers to some great research projects completed by many experts in the fields of social and behavioral sciences. Says one researcher “mastery is a mindset”.

Pink even adds in his own inventiveness into the mix by extending the typical and familiar personality Type A and Type B with his own “Type I” and “Type X” personalities.

This book is so well written and brainy that I have enjoyed listening to it numerous times over so far and I’m not done yet. I intend to refer to it for a while longer – it’s that good.

The take-away with “DRIVE” is learning that businesses and the educational institutions in our midst seem to not fully understand the motivational needs of those they are engaged with.  According to Pink they do not come close to understanding the world of the “third” drive either.

Here we are in the 21 century and they, the leaders of businesses and schools, still seem to lag behind clinging on to the old system of carrots and sticks developed within the 19th century culture which used the model of the factory floor.

“Drive” is a brilliantly delivered work. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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