…most scandals and misbehavior that have seemed endemic to modern life involve shortcuts.
51
Drive:
When the reward is the activity itself – deepening learning, delighting customers, doing one’s best – there are no shortcuts. The only route to the destination is the high road.
51
Drive:
Goals may cause systematic problems for organizations due to narrowed focus, unethical behavior, increased risk taking, decreased cooperation, and decreased intrinsic motivation.
51
Drive:
…cash rewards and shiny trophies can provide a delicious jolt of pleasure at first, but the feeling soon dissipates – and to keep it alive, the recipient requires ever larger and more frequent doses.
53
Drive:
Rewards’ addictive qualities can also distort decision-making.
55
Drive:
…extrinsic motivators – especially tangible, ‘if-then’ ones – can also reduce the depth of our thinking. They can focus our sights on only what’s immediately before us rather than what’s off in the distance.
56
Drive:
Many times a concentrated focus makes sense… But in less dramatic circumstances, fixating on an immediate reward can damage performance over time.
56
Drive:
Cheaters want the quick win – regardless of the lasting consequences.
56
Drive:
…researchers have found that companies that spend the most time offering guidance on quarterly earnings deliver significantly lower long-term growth rates…
57
Drive:
…even when the behavior doesn’t devolve into shortcuts or addiction, the near-term allure of rewards can be harmful in the long run.
