Drive: The Surprising Truth about what Motivates Us by D. Pink - Book Report/Review Example

The paper “Drive - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink" is an inspiring example of a book review on human resources. The book is basically meant for managers because it talks about the advice of managing employees with their different personalities as well on ways to motivate them and work effectively with them. There have been many books about motivation but this is just different even though the end goal is usually similar. The author approaches every employee issue from personality to autonomy differently providing a fresh set of information that many are recommended to explore and try out.

An example of this is on the issue of the carrot and stick which has often been used by managers to motivate employees but they really just wish for an increase in productivity (Pink, 2009, pg. 32). The author explains in detail which motivation strategies to use and which are not effective and should be avoided like the plague. The author’s use of stories to make a point is very helpful even for the non-managers because it provides a vivid example of what is being discussed. It puts the whole subject area into context and this is a good thing as it will encourage many to purchase the book.

In the second part, the author discusses three main elements of motivation and success in handling the employees. These elements are autonomy, mastery, and purpose. In spite of the fact that these elements play a crucial role in motivation and ultimate success of an organization, the author should not have portrayed them like they are the only ones that matter and are the only elements. Real and vivid examples have been provided which are the common things the manager can relate with hence making understanding and implementation of the three elements much easier.

Other authors can borrow a leaf on the use of simple and clear language as well even in the examples. The third part of the book is basically about the provision of tips about different things ranging from ways to improve office to how to assist children with their personality types among many others. The part is helpful but at the same time, the information provided is just too overwhelming. This is the kind of information that the implementer may require constant referral back to the book before implementing any one of them.

This is not only a tedious activity but a time consuming one and hence there are those who would simply ignore the tips. The author, in this case, should have subdivided the part into another part and encourage the use of jokes and other humorous stories when trying to explain the different tips. This would have provided relief from the “seriousness” of the discussion and even provided motivation on its own to be read and not just by managers but others as well. The author has also focused so much on one type of personality that one cannot help but wonder whether all employees have a similar personality.

If a manager is to meet employees with another personality type different from the Type I being discussed in the book, how is he supposed to treat them without the tips? The book has taught me different managerial tips on how to motivate employees according to their personalities which is usually not an easy task.