Dan Pink: The puzzle of motivation

“If you want people to perform better, you reward them, right? Bonuses, commissions, their own reality show. Incentivize them. … But that’s not happening here. You’ve got an incentive designed to sharpen thinking and accelerate creativity, and it does just the opposite. It dulls thinking and blocks creativity.” - Dan Pink

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.

Bidding adieu to his last "real job" as Al Gore's speechwriter, Dan Pink went freelance to spark a right-brain revolution in the career marketplace.

Why you should listen to him:     

With a trio of influential bestsellers, Dan Pink has changed the way companies view the modern workplace. In the pivotal A Whole New Mind, Pink identifies a sea change in the global workforce -- the shift of an information-based corporate culture to a conceptual base, where creativity and big-picture design dominates the landscape.

His latest book, The Adventures of Johnny Bunko, is an evolutionary transformation of the familiar career guide. Replacing linear text with a manga-inspired comic, Pink outlines six career laws vastly differing from the ones you've been taught. Members of the Johnny Bunko online forum participated in an online contest to create the seventh law -- "stay hungry."

A contributing editor for Wired, Pink is working on a new book on the science and economics of motivation for release in late 2009.

"Pink has a knack for teaching in such an entertaining way that you'll forget you are learning."
Lexi Feinberg, Forbes.com

Africa: Inch By Inch - Africa's Determined Social Entrepreneurs

'Gbenga Sesan and Erik Charas, both graduates of the Tutu-sponsored African Leadership Institute, are helping the young and poor in Africa find a voice of their own.

When the character played by Al Pacino sat his football team down in the interval of a make-or-break game towards the end of the film Any Given Sunday, he described life as "a game of inches". In other words, it is all about the small steps forward, no matter what.

"We fight for that inch. We'll claw with our nails for that inch. Because we know that when we add up all those inches, that's going to make the difference between winning and losing. Between life, and death."

Determination is the active ingredient of a conventional entrepreneur. Set-backs, hurdles, puzzles and gatekeepers stand between you and your millions. But when you are a social entrepreneur, trying to effect change for good through business, you also have to take account of factor in poverty, drugs, alcohol, sex working, illness, mental health, or disabilities into your business plan. Your determination can be tested daily.

'Gbenga Sesan, the man with a plan

James B. Glattfelder: Who controls the world?

James Glattfelder studies complexity: how an interconnected system -- say, a swarm of birds -- is more than the sum of its parts. And complexity theory, it turns out, can reveal a lot about how the economy works. Glattfelder shares a groundbreaking study of how control flows through the global economy, and how concentration of power in the hands of a shockingly small number leaves us all vulnerable. (Filmed at TEDxZurich.)

James B. Glattfelder aims to give us a richer, data-driven understanding of the people and interactions that control our global economy. He does this not to push an ideology -- but with the hopes of making the world a better place.

Why you should listen to him:     

First a researcher at a Swiss hedge fund and then a physicist, James B. Glattfelder found himself amazed by the level of understanding we have in regards to the physical world and universe around us. He wondered: how can we move toward a similar understanding of human society?
This question led him to the study of complex systems, a subject he now holds a Ph.D in from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Glattfelder is co-head of quantitative research at Olsen Ltd in Zurich, an FX investment manager focusing on market-stabilizing algorithms. In 2011, he co-authored the study “The Network of Global Corporate Control,” which went viral in the international media and sparked many controversial discussions. The study looked at the architecture of ownership across the globe, and computed a level of control exerted by each international player. The study revealed that 75% of all the players in the global economy are part of a highly interconnected core which, because of the high levels of overlap, leaves the economy vulnerable.

In his free time, Glattfelder enjoys snowboarding, rock climbing, surfing and listening to electronic music.

"As protests against financial power sweep the world this week, science may have confirmed the protesters' worst fears. An analysis of the relationships between 43,000 transnational corporations has identified a relatively small group of companies, mainly banks, with disproportionate power over the global economy ... The study, by a trio of complex systems theorists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, is the first to go beyond ideology to empirically identify such a network of power." The New S

Eurobond rallies on economic growth forecast

Nigeria’s $500 million of Eurobond yields rallied for the first time in five days after a forecast that the country’s economic growth will accelerate this year and as foreign-exchange reserves increased. Borrowing costs on dollar debt due January 2021 declined three basis points to 4.370 percent as of 11:55 a.m. in London. The naira slipped less than 0.1 percent to 157.35 a dollar.

Nigeria’s economy will probably expand 6.8 percent this year compared with growth of 6.6 percent in 2012, the Abuja-based National Bureau of Statistics said today in an e-mailed report. The foreign-currency reserves of Africa’s most populous country have advanced 6 percent this year to $46.68 billion, the highest since at least 2010, according to Feb. 14 data compiled by the central bank.

FG to produce 400 million tons of LNG annually

The Federal Government plans to attain 400 million tons of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production per annum in line with the Gas Revolution
Project, an official said on Wednesday.

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, made the statement shortly after declaring open the 13th Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition.
"We want to situate ourselves to capture the global and domestic markets.

Nestle withdraws pasta meals as horsemeat scandal spreads

Nestle has removed beef pasta meals sold under its Buitoni brand from sale in Italy and Spain after finding traces of horse meat.

This is because it is becoming the latest victim of a food scandal still spreading across Europe.

The world's biggest food company, which said as recently as last week its products had not been affected by the scare, said the decision to withdraw the products came after tests over the weekend showed traces of horse DNA in batches of meat used to prepare the meals.

Nestle spokesman Chris Hogg said on Tuesday the withdrawals would have no material financial impact on the company.

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.

Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.

Why you should listen to him:     

Why don't we get the best out of people? Sir Ken Robinson argues that it's because we've been educated to become good workers, rather than creative thinkers. Students with restless minds and bodies -- far from being cultivated for their energy and curiosity -- are ignored or even stigmatized, with terrible consequences. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. It's a message with deep resonance. Robinson's TEDTalk has been distributed widely around the Web since its release in June 2006. The most popular words framing blog posts on his talk? "Everyone should watch this."

A visionary cultural leader, Sir Ken led the British government's 1998 advisory committee on creative and cultural education, a massive inquiry into the significance of creativity in the educational system and the economy, and was knighted in 2003 for his achievements. His latest book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, a deep look at human creativity and education, was published in January 2009.

"Ken's vision and expertise is sought by public and commercial organizations throughout the world."
BBC Radio 4

Always move forward - Inspirational Presidential Quotes

Inspirational Presidential Quotes

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward. -- Abraham Lincoln

One of the most influential presidents in U.S. history, Lincoln inspired the U.S. during a long and difficult period. His progress in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and ending the Civil War was arduous and hard-won, but he never gave up.

Success likely won't come overnight, so keep your goal in sight and keep moving forward -- no matter how slowly.

MTN maintains leadership position as industry crosses 113m active lines in Nigeria

MTN Nigeria, counting over 47.4 million subscribers, has maintained a comfortable lead in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecommunications market which crossed the 113 million active lines in 2012, according to a report by Renaissance Capital.

 

This figure represents a growth of 13 percent year-on-year, which according to industry analysts, is a much improved performance over 2011.

 

The report, however, says the performance exceeds management guidance of 5.3 million net additions by 0.5 million or 9.4 percent. Analysts told BusinessDay on Monday that the South African owned telecoms company has continued to sustain its market leadership by continuously redirecting its operational and marketing strategies to offer better customer service and innovative products with compelling value proposition.

US-based firm to stake N22.62bn in Nigeria’s real estate market

A United States -based firm, Amira Real Estate Investments, has entered the Nigerian real estate market with the aim of delivering a 23-storey structure of Premier Condo Units valued at $145million (about N22.62billion) within 24 months.

 

The project tagged “Amira” is already designed and is to be built in Abuja by USA construction companies, in line with that country’s efforts to create jobs for its citizens, while giving the Nigerian community a new and exciting place to call home.

 

At the time of completion, the 150 prospective occupants who are to pay $750,000 compared to the real value of $1.2million would be entitled to Green Cards (residency) of the United States.

Unlocking Business Ideas Hidden in the Natural World

Lloyd Watts, who reverse engineered the way the human ear works to develop

 of a chip used in cell phones, stands beside an acoustic testing robot at his

company's lab.

Image credit: Audience

When Janine Benyus coined the term biomimicry in 1997 to describe how nature can inspire innovation, she never expected her phone to start ringing off the hook. Since then, such companies as Procter & Gamble, Boeing, General Electric, Herman Miller, Nike and Levi Strauss have called, wanting to know how they can use nature as inspiration for new products.

While large corporations approached her initially, Benyus, cofounder of the Missoula, Mont.-based consulting firm Biomimicry 3.8, says entrepreneurs are often the ones developing the kind of nature-inspired innovations these large companies are after.
Why the business interest in nature? "Every single problem faced by humans today has been solved by nature," says Jay Harman, CEO of PAX Scientific, a San Rafael Calif.-based firm that conducts biomimicry research. "It has millions of years of trial and error with an open resource and development budget."

If you're interested in seeking inspiration in nature for your next business idea, here are three areas to investigate:

Tech Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets to Success - Billionaire tech entrepreneur Mark Cuban

Success. It's a relative term. Essentially, it refers to the accomplishment of a goal or aim. For some, that might mean finding happiness or wealth. For others, it could mean improving other people's lives.

So, what are the keys to success for technology entrepreneurs? Arguably, all these things -- with some innovation, creativity and fast growth sprinkled in. When interviewing some of the industry's most significant players, we've made it a point to pick their brains about what's key to being a successful tech entrepreneur and launching a successful tech startup.

From Mark Cuban to Guy Kawaksaki, here's some insight we've collected on what a tech 'trep needs in order to find success in business.

Don't compromise your core values - Inspirational Presidential Quotes

Inspirational Presidential Quotes

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. -- Thomas Jefferson

The founding father and primary author of the Declaration of Independence knew a thing or two about principles. Among his many notable political achievements, is the bill he wrote in 1786 establishing religious freedom, which was used as a model for the religious language in the Bill of Rights.

When it comes to trends in the market it helps to stay current, but when it comes to what your company really believes in, stand firm and stay true to your principles.

Remember what is important - Inspirational Presidential Quotes

Inspirational Presidential Quotes

Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time. -- Gerald R. Ford

The only president in U.S. history who was never elected to office (he succeed the impeached president Richard Nixon), may not have sought his role as a world leader, but he served his short term with honesty. Ford had a reputation as an open, trustworthy everyman, and his words can serve as a reminder that some of the most important things about leadership are also the simplest.

Youths urged to enter Africa’s entrepreneurial awards

Business Reporter
YOUNG entrepreneurs have been encouraged to contest the Anzisha Prize, Africa’s top entrepreneurial awards which reward young Africans who are making a difference on the continent and in their communities.

The prestigious awards are hosted by the African Leadership Academy in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation to identify exceptional young entrepreneurs who are leading by example and underscore their ability to significantly shape the future of Africa.

“There are thousands of entrepreneurial African youth that are making a difference in their communities. We want to hear their stories, celebrate their successes and invest in their potential. We are delighted to be rewarding young entrepreneurs who could very well be the African business leaders of the future,” said Chi Achebe, Anzisha Prize programme manager.

Small achievements happen every day - Inspirational Presidential Quotes

Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

The two-term president had a long resumé when taking office in 1952, including serving as a five-star major general in World War II. Leading the county during a turbulent decade in office that included the end of the Korean War, he took a pragmatic approach to achieving his objectives. If big picture success seems too lofty of a goal, focus on what you can achieve each day.

True leaders inspire others - Inspirational Presidential Quotes

Inspirational Presidential Quotes


If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -- John Quincy Adams

Despite his struggles with opposition in Congress, the sixth president of the U.S. still knew that a good leader is only as strong as those he works with. Adams managed to pay off much the national debt in his single term in office. Motivating your team to go above and beyond is just as important as being motivated yourself.

A Glimpse Inside NYC's Startup Scene

Five years since the financial crisis, New York City has blossomed into a startup magnet. (Please see related story, "Big Ideas in the Big Apple.")

image credit: Warby Parker

Thanks to an influx of capital and entrepreneurial resources, the Big Apple has seen a rise of new ventures spanning a host of industries. Many have been born in the city's accelerators and incubators. Still others have benefitted from New York's tech-savvy labor pool.

Here's a look at some upstarts groomed in New York's fast-paced business community.

Cathy Carroll contributed to this report.

Central Bank of Nigeria, bankers upbeat about agent banking

Although the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is yet to blow the final whistle to signal the commencement of the proposed agent banking in Nigeria, there are indications that the potential of the new policy to capture a large segment of the hitherto unbanked people is driving banks to embark on a flurry of activities, reports Festus Akanbi

Financial experts including top echelons of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend threw their weight behind the planned introduction of agent banking by the apex bank in view of the failure of the current banking sector template to accommodate low-income earners, especially the rural dwellers.

Mainstreet Board Not in Crisis, Says AMCON

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Monday described as false a report from a national newspaper that the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Mainstreet Bank Limited, Mrs. Faith Tuedor- Matthews, had been suspended by the board of directors of the bank.

 Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON, Mr. Kayode Lambo, in a text message to THISDAY Monday, said the corporation was not aware of such development.