Last blog we started exploring our drivers by sharing what we mean by personality preferences. Today we dive a little deeper into the question “What drives you?” and unpack the three core drivers of personality and how they might limit us or help us operate at our best as leaders.
What Drives You?
Different psychology theories point to three core human drivers underpinning our personality preferences: Autonomy, Bonding and Certainty. Whilst these drivers may have different names, they are all primal drivers or needs that have developed over time within our psyche structure to essentially help us survive and thrive as a species.
To meet our basic drivers, we create inner assumptions, mindsets or beliefs that shape how we view ourselves and our place in the world. This inner world is then externally expressed through behaviours. Our drivers are not inherently good or bad; effective or ineffective. It is the emotional, thinking and behavioural patterns we adopt in response to the drivers that can support or disable our effectiveness and wellbeing.
Let’s have a look in a bit more detail at each driver as we invite you to explore which might be strong for you.
Autonomy – also known as Agency or Controlling
For those of us that have Autonomy as a core driver we have a strong underlying need to have agency, stay independent and in control. In response to this driver we tend to prioritise action, personal achievement, power and control.
A limiting internal belief structure to meet Autonomy will have mindsets like “I will be only respected by taking charge”; “Perfection is the only acceptable standard”; “I stay safe by winning”; “Being vulnerable is unacceptable”.
Unhelpful behavioural patterns that follow this limiting thinking structure include:
- dismissing or ignoring negative feedback
- taking charge in most situations
- speaking bluntly
- being uncompromising in our stance by discounting the ideas or perspectives of others.
On the other hand, a more empowering belief structure to meet our drive for Autonomy will have mindsets like “Empowering my team will take us further”; “I am open and curious to what others can bring”; “I value outstanding results and am open to how we can achieve them”; “I can be persistent and influential”.
More impactful behavioural patterns that follow these mindsets include:
- focusing on continuous improvement
- persisting in the face of adversity
- encouraging and enabling others to be confident and independent
- looking for ways to harness the talents and capabilities of others
- being decisive
- valuing and respecting others’ contributions.
Bonding – also known as Attention and Validation or Complying
When we have Bonding as our primary driver, we have a strong underlying need for appreciation, attention and validation and will therefore place relationships at the centre of our world. Under this driver we place a great value in belonging, connecting and complying with other’s expectations.
A limiting internal belief structure to meet Bonding will have mindsets like “I am fine when people hold a positive opinion of me”; “I am safe when people need me”; “Conforming shields me from disapproval and criticism”; “It is important to be liked”.
Ineffective behavioural patterns that follow these thinking patterns can include things like:
- saying yes when you really want to say no
- overcautiously managing what we say to not upset people
- helping too many people and feeling burdened
- denying our own aspirations or perspectives in order to fit in.
A more empowering belief structure to meet our driver of Belonging will have mindsets like “I believe in people’s potential”; “It’s important to balance self-care and care for others; “Authentic relationships are critical”; “I am worthy”.
Effective behavioural patterns that follow these mindsets include:
- recognising others’ emotions and needs
- developing and mentoring people
- being accessible and easy to talk to
- holding compassion for ourselves and others
- valuing and leveraging diversity.
Certainty – also known as Security or Protecting
If we have Certainty as our main driver, we have a strong underlying need for security, protection and certainty. Under this driver we prioritise what we can know, anticipate or imagine and gain certainty through our insight, knowledge and rationality.
A limiting internal belief structure to meet Certainty will have mindsets like “I am worthy if I am right”; “I am only valuable because of my competence or insight”; “I am not good enough”, “I am safe if I can anticipate all the risks and issues”; “I need to fully understand all the possible options before taking action”.
Ineffective behavioural patterns that follow these thinking patterns can include things like:
- only identifying what is wrong, illogical and lacking in others’ work
- holding back creative expression and ideas
- acting as superior, more intelligent, or better
- avoiding risk taking
- delaying decisions and actions to explore more options.
Conversely, a more empowering belief structure to meet Certainty will have mindsets like “I know enough to get started”, “My perspective is one of many valuable ones”; “Problems cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them”, “I am learning as I lead”, “There is value in sharing my wisdom with others”.
Constructive behavioural patterns that follow these are:
- offering thoughtful and insightful perspectives
- remaining objective and considered when things get emotional
- joining the dots or translating complexity
- holding a vision for the future and inspiring others
- troubleshooting risks and consequences to breakthrough barriers.
By now we hope you can seethe link between the Driver, our Thinking Patterns(Beliefs and Mindsets) and the resulting Behaviours and how a limiting internal belief system generates ineffective and unhealthy behaviours. Becoming aware of our primary driver and the belief and behavioural patterns we have constructed in response offers us an opportunity to shine a light on what was potentially hidden and gives us the power and freedom to exercise choice and do differently.
Join us for our next blog as we share real stories of how some of our clients built their awareness of their drivers, exercised choice and accessed more empowering and creative mindsets and behaviours.
