Motivation creates behavior…creates consequences


The word “motivation” and “emotion” share the same Latin root, movere, which means ‘to move.” Notice it doesn’t indicate in which direction. One thing is certain: Motivation creates behavior.

If motivation creates behavior, it stands to reason that behavior creates consequences. This rule applies to all people in all circumstances. For instance:

  • If LEADERSHIP is your goal and motivator, chances are that you will strive to be a visionary, with the consequences of having people follow you;
  • If MONEY is your motivator, you will naturally focus on rate of return. The consequences of your choices will place the almighty dollar at the top of your priority list;
  • If  your motivation is to gain RECOGNITION, you will behave in a manner to attract attention. Consequences depend on the perception of the people viewing your performance (good or bad — attention is attention);
  • If  TIME if your greater motivator (depending on yow you prioritize your time), you will be zealous about how you spend it, and the consequences of those priorities will guide your lifestyle;
  • RESPECT could be near the top of every managers/supervisors list. The behavior will determine if you feel it is better to be respected or to be liked.  Hint: Go for the respect first. If you are liked too, so much the better;
  • POWER is often the motivation of a high ego. The behavior manifests itself as greed; the possible consedquence of either being feared or being adored to excess.

You can work the words Motivation, Behavior and Consequences forwards and backwards to determine what makes YOU and/or the people around you act the way they do. This is a great exercise to use when getting ready for peformance reviews or in most any situation in which you are negotiating.

I use this technique in consulting with my clients. Check it out and let me know how it works for you.

To book Petey for her presentation on leadership, click here.