"Who am I?" This existential question is not just a philosophical musing. According to Steven Reiss, Ph.D., and his groundbreaking book, it's also deeply connected to the 16 basic desires that shape our personalities and drive our behaviors. In this week-long series on LinkedIn, we set sail on an explorative voyage centered around one of these fundamental desires—the intrinsic drive for Independence.
Independence is the siren call that resonates particularly profoundly within the modern workplace. It's the pursuit of self-direction—the empowerment to make decisions that align with our innate quest for independence. In an era where traditional hierarchies are ceding ground to innovative environments, honoring this human desire is not just benevolent; it's the new currency of organizational excellence.
The Reiss Motivation Profile® casts a spotlight on autonomy as one of 16 Basic Desires of Human Nature. It asserts that our happiness—our value-based contentment—springs from living in sync with these intrinsic motives, a position championed by practical thinkers from Epicurus to modern-day thought leaders.
Next week's LinkedIn series, 'Breaking Barriers: Harnessing the Power of Independence in the Workplace,' is more than just an anthology of independent action; it's a sincere invitation to understand the depth and spectrum of autonomy in our professional lives.
We commence our series with this introductory post that contemplates the eclectic role independence plays in our professions:
The Spectrum of Independence: Just as teenagers express their emerging identities through their fashion, professionals exhibit their autonomy through their work styles and personal branding. Banks, insurance companies but also doctors, once known for their strict dress code, now give their employees the freedom to choose attire resonant with their uniqueness.
Autonomy vs. Corporate Culture: Like J. Edgar Hoover, whose robust desire for power reframed an entire agency, today's leaders seek to reshape company ethos to allow personal drive and freedom to coexist with collective goals.
Collaboration and Independence: We will reflect on how the threads of autonomy and interdependence weave into a complex tapestry. Aligning personal motives with organizational missions, as put forth in 'Der CEO Code,' can result in a harmonious balance that enhances both individual well-being and company performance.
Through this series, we aspire to unpack complex ideas around self-direction and how aligning our work with our innermost motivators—like the pleasures derived through sports achievements or the tranquility afforded by spiritual practices—can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling career.
Independence in Leadership: Drawing from 'Der CEO Code' by Benjamin Schulz and Brunello Gianella, we'll examine how understanding personal motives is crucial for leaders. It's not the imposition of will, but the intricate understanding of individual values that propels a company forward. Leaders like Steve Jobs mined their depths of independence and passion to envision products that fundamentally changed our world.
The Workplace as a Petri Dish of Human Desire: Our daily grind can either stifle or resonate with the principles outlined in both the Reiss Motivation Profile® and 'Der CEO Code.' When a work environment honors our basic desires, such as acceptance, social contact, status, and yes, independence, it becomes a catalyst for passion and creativity.
"A well-executed dance of one's own steps—this is the essence of autonomy in the workplace." Expect stories throughout this week that will inspire and challenge our ideas about independence and self-mastery at work.
To all self-learners, content creators, homeowners, and experienced gardeners of enterprise—join us as we cultivate the soil of independence. Engage with our content, share your stories, and together, we will harvest the fruits of workplace fulfillment that only true autonomy can bear.
Unapologetically autonomous,
[Your weekly curator of independence and self-direction]
Join us on this contemplative journey as we discuss the beacon of autonomy within the professional sphere.
Your engagement and insights are welcomed—after all, the path of self-direction is one best navigated with diverse voices and shared experiences. #AutonomyAtWork #TheDriveForIndependence #WorkplaceFulfillment