In part 2 of this episode of "The Growing For It Podcast," hosts Travis and Mikkel sit down with Kim Scott, renowned author and thought leader, to delve into the intricate balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and its profound impact on innovation. Drawing from her extensive experience at leading Silicon Valley companies like Google and Apple, Kim shares valuable insights on how intrinsic motivation can drive creativity and productivity while excessive focus on extrinsic rewards can stifle innovation.

Key Discussions:

- The Superstar and Rockstar Modes: Kim explains the distinction between employees in "superstar mode," who are on a steep growth trajectory, and those in "rockstar mode," who excel in their current roles without necessarily seeking promotion. Understanding and managing these modes is crucial for fostering a balanced and effective workplace.

- Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Kim emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation—the drive that comes from within, such as personal growth, fulfillment, and passion for the work itself. She contrasts this with extrinsic motivation, which includes external rewards like promotions, bonuses, and public recognition. Kim argues that while extrinsic rewards are necessary, an overemphasis on them can diminish intrinsic motivation and harm innovation.

- Impact on Innovation: The conversation highlights how excessive focus on extrinsic rewards can lead to a competitive and politically charged environment, ultimately stifling creativity and innovation. Kim provides practical examples from her time at Google and Apple, illustrating how these companies navigated these challenges differently.

- Building a Motivating Environment: Kim discusses strategies for creating a work environment that nurtures intrinsic motivation, such as respecting and valuing all roles within a company, ensuring fair compensation, and recognizing the importance of meaningful work and personal fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:

- From Kim Scott:

- "The fun and the joy of a startup is the fun and the joy of innovation. It's the intrinsic motivation."

- "Too much focus on extrinsic motivation can kill intrinsic motivation, and it's really the intrinsic motivation that leads us to do the very best work of our lives."

- From Hosts (Travis & Mikkel):

- Travis: "We need to make sure that inclusion is inclusive, that we're respectful to everyone."

- Mikkel: "Learning to learn from successes and failures makes the journey much more fun."

Follow and connect with us:

Travis James Mathers www.linkedin.com/in/travis-james-mathers/

Mikkel Karsgaard www.linkedin.com/in/10xmks/

Kim Scott www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/