What motivates people?
This is an age old topic, with many wiser people than me passing commenting on it. However, I was 'introduced' to a chap called Dan Pink who has something interesting to say on the subject. Thanks @melaniefarmer @sinc
To drastically paraphrase him - if the tasks being done are in some way complicated or require conceptual, creative thinking then motivation comes from having autonomy, mastery and purpose.
Not new and certainly not rocket science but how many managers really get it?
More info at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dan_pink_on_motivation.html