What Drives You?
What is the difference between what drives you and what motivates you?
I define these ‘drivers’ as ‘old stuff’ that form the basis of your values and ethics: how you were raised, what your family thought valuable or necessary, and people and situations that have influenced you.
These drivers are typically pervasive and consistent. They define who you are: committed to excellence, cautious, thoughtful, friendly, or quiet.
Did your family value education? Did they expect you to have a career or start a family? Your need to please, compete or rebel drives your behavior on a daily basis.
‘Motivators’ are inconsistent and change by circumstance. You may be motivated by financial needs, finding the right staff, or winning a certain award.
Try this exercise:
- Make a list of your business behaviors that you believe are constructive and destructive.
- Next to each behavior, add the ‘drivers’ and ‘motivators’ that you think create the behavior.
- Evaluate where you would like to make changes.
- Talk to a trusted advisor about ways to affect change.
Remember that your drivers and motivators are neither good nor bad. Even “negative” drivers can produce positive results. Perhaps you are driven by a fear of failure, leading to strategic decisions that ensure your success. These drivers make us who we are.
The Block Group advocates for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth.
Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business.
Applying this holistic approach to business, The Block Group guides organizations through the business cycle, revitalizing management and promoting growth. We bring together the people, resources and ideas that build results.
All the best!
Patty Block
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