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Monetary rewards are not a substitute for intrinsic motivation.
W. Edwards Deming
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Intrinsic motivation is more powerful than monetary rewards.

This quote emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, which comes from within an individual, as opposed to external incentives such as money. It suggests that while monetary rewards can be appealing, they do not foster true engagement and passion for work, which is essential for long-lasting satisfaction and performance.

Themes

Intrinsic MotivationMonetary RewardsEngagementPerformanceSatisfaction

In practice

Example use cases

In a team meeting discussing project outcomes and individual motivations, this quote highlights the importance of passion over financial incentives.

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