Talane’s Blog of the Week, May 8, 2006

This week I went to an auction and bought a gorgeous early 19th century rosewood pedestal table. It was not inexpensive, but it was about half of what it would have cost in a proper antique shop—so a bargain in my mind.

As I have shared with you before, when I took the Personal Interests, Attitudes and Values assessment a number of years ago, it turned out my top two driving values were Utilitarian and Aesthetic. There are six core driving values (the reasons why we make the choices that we do): Utilitarian (practical/money); Aesthetic (beauty/harmony); Individualistic (power); Social (helping others or causes); Traditional (principles); Theoretical (quest for truth/knowledge). Most people are motivated by two of these six. My husband came out with Social and Traditional as his top two and sure enough, whenever we have a clash it is always a clash in our values. My choice to buy the beautiful antique table is a perfect example of my two top values working together. I want gorgeous stuff around me (Aesthetic), but I hate spending more than necessary so bought it at auction to save money (Utilitarian). I’m the kind of gal who wants a Jaguar with a Chevy engine. My husband on the other hand, wants a “green” car that runs on an environmentally friendly fuel.

My husband recently hired a business coach because he wasn’t feeling motivated to grow his business. The coach told him people are motivated by two things: fear and greed. So either Paul wasn’t scared enough or greedy enough. I told Paul this answer didn’t really square with his values. Paul isn’t motivated by money (although I am!), he is motivated by helping people and the environment (Social). He is also highly principled so greed just doesn’t work to inspire him to take action. And, as far as fear goes, about the worst thing that might happen if he failed to get more business is we’d decide sell the house (for a profit!) and downsize. Hmmm…not much to be scared about there. So he is going to talk to his coach today and tell him what I said. I’ll keep you posted …

What motivates you to make the choices you do? The answer may surprise you! I’ll include the information about the Personal Interests, Attitudes and Values program below for those who are curious.

All the best,
Talane

P.S. I just read that two cups of green or black tea have the same amount of antioxidants as 7 cups of orange juice or twenty cups of apple juice! I’m now drinking a cup of Earl Grey a day!

P.P.S. The PIAV Assessment Interested in discovering your core motivators? The Personal Interests, Attitudes and Values package includes the assessment, a computerized comprehensive report on your results, plus a one hour coaching debrief session. For prices and more information, email judy@lifecoach.com