While I did a quick Facebook review on this book, I thought it deserved a more formal review. Payoff: The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivations by Dan Ariely is a great book for business owners and managers. In it, Ariely explores what truly motivates people’s actions, particularly when it comes to getting the commitment and loyalty from

employees. It’s a quick easy read (just 128 pages) from TED Books. However, don’t judge a book by its number of pages. Payoff has just that, a big payoff in its insight into how various reward systems effect the productivity of others (hint: it’s not money). Along the motivation lines, another book, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink, also delivers great research data on the science of motivation.

This book can help you create an enthusiastic, productive team that will stay with you as you grow your company.

*If you like the Dan Ariely title, you may also like Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. It’s also a fascinating read.