Page 107 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

THE WHY OF WORK

wielding their craft in ways others will respect. When things
go wrong, their first instinct may be to ask, “What can we
learn? How can we improve?”
Organizations motivated by achievement may focus on
technology, sports, or the arts, but they will not just be along
for a pleasant ride. They will be at the cutting edge, push-
ing the envelope of skill or design. They include industries
focused on scientific progress, high return on investment,
competition, or excellence in any domain. They may espe-
cially value high returns or good marketing but will get the
biggest charge out of being among the best at what they do.
“Winning” is their mantra, goal, and passion, and they write
about and savor their triumphs and successes.
Not every organization will care to compete at the
highest level. But every organization can benefit from the
abundance that comes from achievement.
In your organization, where does achievement occur?
Who are the proponents of achievement who push for learn-
ing and want to get better and better? Is achievement fostered
by tailoring challenging assignments, providing clear feed-
back on performance (preferably with ways to actually count
success or improvement), and recognizing improvement and
success?

3. Connection

On the bottom right is connection, which is characterized
by less focus on achievement and higher focus on relation-
ships. People in this category find meaning in life through
people they meet and interact with. Some will be energized
by a few intimate relationships, others by looser ties with
many people, but the common thread will be satisfaction
and meaning through relating to others. This person looks

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