Threatening to punish or offering a reward? Which alternative is the best?

According to Daniel Pink, none.

For problems that require even rudimentary cognitive skills, the introduction of pressure, in form of punishment or reward, will narrow the focus, when in fact, finding a solution to most problems demands exactly the opposite: An open mind and the use of creativity.

What other alternatives can then be used to motivate for Problem Solving?

In his book named “Drive”, Daniel Pink describes three powerful motivators: Purpose, mastery, and freedom.

Purpose

Is the vision, the greater goal. It is the idea that we, as a team, are doing something meaningful. „What is our vision? Why does this matter?“

Mastery

By going through a problem-solving process,
the problem-solver has the chance to learn. Developing technical and social skills in the process can definitely be a great motivator.

Freedom

The solver of a complex problem should be free to choose how to go about the challenge. Freedom is a great motivator and an activator for creativity.

Read more on Daniel Pinks Book “Drive”.

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Wish you a great day.