We all have different motivations

I recently found myself discussing McClelland's theory of needs, and it prompted me to blog about it today.

McClelland’s theory suggests that people are primarily #motivated by three key needs: achievement, affiliation, and power. Each person has a different mix of the three, for some one will predominate, for others another or a couple may be the most influential.

This theory, developed by David McClelland,suggests that these needs are learned or acquired through life experiences and cultural influences, rather than being solely innate. I would add to this that they may vary across contexts, what is most important in your family life may be different from in your career for example. 

As a psychotherapist, my job is to help people understand themselves, to give clients as much influence over their own wellbeing and happiness as possible. I like this theory’s accessibility and simplicity.

So what are the three drivers? 

· Achievement: being driven by the desire to excel, accomplish challenging goals, and receive feedback on performance. You would prefer tasks that offer opportunities for personal responsibility and have clear outcomes.

· Affiliation: being motivated by building strong relationships and social connections. You would value teamwork, cooperation, and belonging, and prefer situations with minimal conflict. 

· Power: being motivated by influencing and controlling others. You would enjoy leading, motivating others, delegating responsibility and influencing others.

Understanding your own motivations, without judgement, can help you to create the contexts in your life in which you will thrive. 

If you’d like to explore your own needs and increase your self-knowledge and move towards what creates #wellbeing for you, get in touch for psychotherapy sessions at fejrobinson@gmail.com. 

#therapy