This book is about leadership and motivation, and how both promote or demote creativity. It defines a leader as someone who has personal qualities and technical knowledge that, under a given situation, permit him or her to perform successfully a requisite function. The leader motivates people to follow him/her because everyone involved stands to gain. Everyone wins because the strategic and operational levels of the group "work harmoniously together as the organization's leadership team" (p.33).



Creativity activities, like innovations, depend on motivation, and hence the 50-50 rule. The rule states that "50% of motivation comes from within a person and 50% from his or her environment, especially from the leadership encountered there" (p.). From here the book describes two psychological theories of motivation: Maslow's theory and Herzberg's theory. Maslow's theory holds that motivation depends on physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. The more basic (biological) the needs, the easier it is to motivate a person from without. The higher level the needs, such as self-actualization, the more motivation must come from within a person.



For Herzberg creative efforts are like work. As with work motivation is determined by the satisfaction of people's higher needs. A safe working environment is often a stronger motivator than a high salary. Nice stuff.



The last parts of the book outline eight principles on "how to motivate others", beginning with the enthusiasm of the motivator. I resist the temptation to describe all the principles for fear of spoiling your reading of the book. Suffice to say the book is impressive. It is well organized. Each chapter has a "Key Points" section. Chapters also start and end with a memorable quotation from motivational leaders of all kinds. A very good book, indeed!



Amavilah, Author

Modeling Determinants of Income in Embedded Economies