I actually believe that the mental strain of making 'breakthrough' level ideas is so high that workers who demonstrate they have that capacity should get whatev

I actually believe that the mental strain of making 'breakthrough' level ideas is so high that workers who demonstrate they have that capacity should get whatever time and space they need, after deadline day or whatever. If you can't afford to give it to them that then you can't afford those people. Imagine Greg House MD bouncing his ball against the wall...that is what it takes to constantly make big breakthroughs. Once these people are in the zone you wont have to motivate them