Pulse August 2017 | Page 53

of rewards get us to focus narrowly, which for this kind of work, is a plus. However, the same body of research tells us that if- then rewards are far less effective for creative, conceptual work. Why? If-then rewards are narrow, but for these tasks we want an expanded perspective, a wider look. The big problem is that organizations tend to use if-then rewards for everything, rather than for the one category of tasks where they actually work. P: Why does the concept of human motivation interest you so much? DP: It’s definitely interesting to try to understand what people do. But why they do it takes the inquiry to a deeper and even more fascinating level. P: If you line up your books on a shelf, it seems like you have quiet the variety of interests. What story do you think your collective works tell? DP: I don’t think there’s a single story, but there is a common theme. All the books have to do with work. I’ve always been fascinated by work: what people do, why they do it, how they collaborate with others, what work means to them. We spend half our waking hours at work, which makes it an incredible platform for understanding the human condition. P: Which of your books was the most interesting to research and write? DP: That’s like asking which of my three children is my favorite! At the moment, I’m enamored of my newest book, which will be out in January. It’s called WHEN: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. P: What do you hope ISPA members gain from your keynote presentation? DP: A couple of big ideas to understand their world and some specific takeaways for running their businesses. n 2017 ISPA CONFERENCE & EXPO Don’t miss Pink’s keynote at the GENERAL SESSION H TUESDAY, OCT. 17 9:30 – 11 a.m.