By Osarennoma Ogbeide
We all live with principles of motivation. There are the usual ‘drivers’ or driving forces that keep us consistent at particular tasks. Principles of motivation, otherwise called motivators include money, praise, promotion, different kinds of rewards etc. For motivation, several theorists have been able to expatiate on different angles at which it can be viewed.
David McClelland’s theory is one I like. He identified three motivators that we all have; however, there is usually a dominant motivator. The three motivators are achievement, affiliation and power. Hence, as individuals we can say we have the need for achievement (N-Ach), need for affiliation (N-Affil) and need for power (N-Pow).
N-Achs are simply go-getters. They are motivated when they are faced with challenging but not impossible tasks. They have strong desires to achieve a set of goals, are well calculated and like to track their progress.
N-Affils are motivated by working in a group environment and have strong desires to establish relationships. They like associating with people, and value their interactions with them. A ‘people person’ is a good way to describe them. They want to be liked by everyone and would do what needs to be done to make others happy.
N-Power just as the name implies, are people motivated by being in charge or in a position of authority. They like the status and recognition of being in charge and often want to control or influence others. A person with N-Power likes wining.
McClelland’s theory also points out that these motivators are not inborn, so they can be learned and developed. They stand to be useful in maximizing our personal qualities. As an N-Ach, you’re a good leader and problem solver, wesee most leaders with these qualities. As an N-Affil you value relationships above anything else, a key quality demanded by people who render services. As an N-Power, you like to be in charge and in control, a quality common to political rulers.
When I learnt this, it didn’t take long before I knew my dominant motivator. Then, I saw myself unconsciously assessing my friends and people around me, stating the hierarchy of their motivators and it was captivating. We all have these three motivators, there is however a hierarchy. This is but one theory that provides insight and better informs you on how to handle yourself, othersand situations.
