This is an absolute classic and it has helped me determine the type of work I enjoy most. The three keys to fulfilling cognitive work are (summarized briefly):
- Autonomy – Do you have control over the majority of your time at work and what you are working on?
- Mastery – Are you engaged in something that allows you to improve your skills?
- Purpose – Do you feel like you are part of something larger than yourself?
These have been guide posts for me for the last three years since I first saw Mr. Pink spell out what I’d long suspected. My quarterly bonus of thousands of dollars as a Regional Manager wasn’t nearly as motivating to me as was the joy of helping one of my Managers succeed, or creating some new metric/model/marketing platform that would help propel our success. Sure, I love money, but I love my team and the thrill of winning a lot more. Especially when I get to create and collaborate in order to get there.
Give this a view and really check your current motivations for why you do what you do. Are you propelled by your bonus potential, or possessed by your passion?
Robert H Myers 
Leave a comment