The Science of Motivation | PART 3 - Action Direction - Are you a Goal Setter or Problem Solver?

One line recap (of previous module)

Yesterday we look at the two distinct profiles of a go-getting-self-starter and a reflective thinker/planner. Remember, though the profiles are complete opposites, you may be motivated by both (remember one of the myths we busted in the first email?).

Today, let’s look at another dimension - goal-setter vs problem solver.

Objectives:

• Discover if you are motivated by goals, from setting them to achieving them, or,
• Find out if you’re motivated by problem solving.

Do you love setting goals? Are new year resolutions a thing for you, and you’re totally proud that you hit it all the time? Do you find yourself lost if no goals were set for you?

That’s pretty much what Esther is like.

Esther checks her daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals regularly. She even has a “dream board” or pictures of places she wants to go and things we wants to own at her cubicle. She speaks with conviction when it comes to hitting her target, and you can see it in her eyes that she means it.

Yup, Esther is a goal-setting, and she’s motivated by goals. You can also say she’s motivated by pleasure - the sense of knowing she’s going to achieve or attain something, and she actively moves towards it.

At the other end of the room, you’ll find Rajan. Rajan is an excellent troubleshooter. As a matter of fact, he’s so good that before a plan is being executed, he can list out 3 ways how the plans will not work, and detailing why too. Rajan loves solving tough scenarios, and the tougher the situation, the more thrill he will be.

Now, sometimes people do think that Rajan is very pessimistic and a buzz kill, because for every new idea that’s being thought up by the team, he’ll find ways to shoot it down by saying (usually with facts) why it won’t work. That’s one of the set back of a person motivated by problem solving.

Another is, when Rajan is out of problems to solve, guess what? He will create problems just so he has the excitement of “fixing” it. That’s why psychologist often agree that people like Raj are motivated by pain, i.e. the stick, where for Esther, it’s the carrot.

Do you see yourself more of an Esther, or Rajan?

Here’s some recommendations regardless of your profile preference (and remember, you can be motivated by goals and problems too!)

If you’re a goal-setter like Esther, know that your over-achieving can-do attitude may turn some people off. Don’t get me wrong, optimism is a good thing to have, but it comes to aggressively, others who are less driven will find you intimidating. Have your dreamboards and pin up that dream car or vacation, but just remember while it works for you, it may not be for other. If you have an Esther in your sales team, just align her goals, point her in the right direction, and watch her soar!

Conversely, if you’re a problem-solver like Rajan, try this: for every problem you identify, have 3 possible solutions to it. This way, instead of being just a troubleshooter, you are a solutionist. You can provide options and countermeasures better than anyone. Also, try to use more positive words like “hey, here’s a suggestion…” or “That’s not wrong, but do you want to see something better?

Action Step or Recap:

Take some time this evening and be honest with yourself: those new year resolutions, are they working for you? If yes, great job! You are motivated by goals. If the answer is no, just know that you’re not motivated by goals, and it’s not a big issue. Imagine how bad things will be if something is not done, and solve that problem. :)