WHAT DRIVES HUMAN BEHAVIOUR?

WHAT DRIVES HUMAN BEHAVIOUR?   

By NICHOLAS C. HILL(FIC FInstLM)   

 

Driven motivation is a term used to describe an energy reserve, which is revealed during the most challenging, exciting, or at times, even threatening of situations.

 

Staff motivation is a common topic in performance management training and essential knowledge for all team leaders. Motivation, under this context, is something that a person may not be entirely aware or conscious of. To cite an example, let us look at one of the most typical routines of students.

 

Students on the final stretch of their school term normally face a handful of academic loads and requirements. As the deadline for these projects comes closer, the motivational drivers, for each student, will begin to manifest themselves. Oftentimes, this is beyond their conscious understanding. Quite suddenly, some simply feel the need to exert themselves and quite conveniently, they are presented with just the kind of dynamism, or motivation they require to accomplish their tasks. Unfortunately, as the deadlines loom even closer, and their imminent success or failure becomes more apparent, these students are only set to fall under two general possibilities; they can either tap into the acquired driven motivation to its fullest potential, or be blindsided and get stricken with panic or distress.

 

 

Unconsciously Imported Values

The phenomenon mentioned above can be explained by the concept called Imported Values. Imported Values are specific behavioural or emotional triggers, which emanate from the very core of the self. These triggers are heavily influenced by our personal history, from our earliest memories to our present realities. Even more so, these triggers are, oftentimes, linked to trauma and other moments in our lives that have struck or affected us in ways beyond logic or reason.

 

For example, let us think of a child with highly demanding parents. Suppose this child is always expected to do things perfectly and is even habitually rewarded for all of his or her excellent jobs—whether academically, or in household chores. The chances are high that this reward system and motivation will echo through his or her adult life. For instance, this child could become a perfectionist when it comes to his or her profession or even family life since the subconscious would tell the person that such perfection is rewarded appropriately and generously. To think of it differently, this child could easily succumb to heavy reliance on external rewards such as money or social affirmation. This is what we refer to by imported values.

 

 

Consciously Imported Values

The good side of imported values is that this kind of motivation can be managed or used consciously. Once we become more conscious regarding our chronic reaction and responses to specific situations, we exercise self – leadership skills and become more attuned to the presence of our imported values. Acknowledging their presence consequently allows us to use them to our advantage.

 

One thing we can avoid is a habitual and unconscious reliance on imported values, as a source of motivation or drive. Perpetuating these automated responses, without question or interest, deprives us of our chance to gain power and control over these otherwise powerful triggers.

 

Imported values have the potential to either lead us to greater things, or destroy our most precious aspirations. With this said, we owe it to ourselves to understand these values and make them work for us, not against us.

 

 

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Nicholas C. Hill is Managing Director and Principal Trainer for The Hill Consultancy Ltd, London, specialising in UK-wide public training courses in leadership and management development. Become a highly productive manager and influential leader today. Claim £100 off the list price on any two-day course. Promotional code: PASSION0213. Visit the website or call now to find out more or request a FREE consultation. T: 020 7993 9955 W: www.nicholashill.com