Six motivational layers

Layers are not types of people. They are sources decisions grow from. Everyone uses all of them; what differs is the mix and the context. Each layer has a definition, strengths, limits, typical phrases, and common mistakes.

Survival

I decide so that I protect myself and the people close to me.

Benefit

I decide by what the choice will bring me and what it will cost me.

Relationships

I decide with the people I care about in mind.

Order

I decide by what is given, what was agreed, and what holds the whole together.

Principles

I decide by principles that hold for everyone — even when they don't suit me just now.

Integrity

I decide in line with who I am and what I believe — even when nobody sees it.

Glossary