Four Tendencies

Gretchen Rubin talks about four ways that people respond to the two factors that promote movement in our lives: inner demands and outer demands.

This is Gretchen Rubin’s platform that you can find here: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/intro/.

1. Upholder
   1. This group will do what others expect of them AND what they expect for themselves.  Often times if the request that you make of them doesn’t fit into their personal goals, than you may not have a place in this person’s schedule.  They will address both your and their goals equally.
   2. Remember: When you request something from this group, they will get it done but they will also independently get their own goals done. These people may be very effective if your goals and their goals align!
2. Questioner
   1. This group will respond to outer demands as long as it makes sense.  Does it work in the framework, do you have a good enough reason, or is there data to support it?  If not, you will struggle convincing this group that the outer demand is reasonable.
   2. Remember: When you request something from this group, you may have to answer a lot of questions or validate your point. Remember to give yourself enough time to do that!
3. Obliger
   1. These people will respond to outer demands more than inner demands.  If they are part of a team or respond to a boss with their expectations, they will perform!  If these outside motivators are gone, these people may struggle to be self-starters and get going on their own goals and expectations. 
   2. Remember: Accountability partners may be key for this group. They will respond to your expectations and even more respond to the expectations of their team! Environment matters!
4. Rebel
   1. These people do not wish to be tied to inner or outer demands.  They want to do what they feel like that given day.  While a regimen and a disciplined life may appeal to these other types, it is mildly horrifying to these people.  These people have to feel like they can go where they feel like that day.
   2. Remember: These people may not like a disciplined schedule or a set a rules. They people may respond best to a goal and them let them pursue this goal however they see fit!

These key motivation factors may help you identify what your team responds to and what tactics you have to take to appeal to these different categories.  Again, I think the main goal of these assessments is to remove frustration that you don’t understand why a person is reacting or responding a certain way.  There may be inherent reasons for each person’s response!  What can you apply from this and what can’t you?