Driven or Drawn?

There are two levers for moving men: interest and fear.

– Napoleon Bonaparte

I strongly believe that one of the best ways to learn about people—and how to influence them—is to observe the person you are closest to: You.

How are you motivated? Note that what motivates you is less important than how you’re motivated. What motivates you is, after all, unique to you. But how your motives move you—or fail to move you—is generally common to us all.

Take positive and negative motivation, for example:

Are you driven…

• Is something forcing you forward?
• Do you feel chased toward your goal?
• Is a certain fear licking at your heels?
• Is anxiety compelling you to act?

…or drawn?

• Is something pulling you forward?
• Do you feel a happy tug toward your goal?
• Are you captivated by some passion?
• Is hope inspiring you to act?

The answer is probably both. But in this case, the answer isn’t as important as the question. Or the necessary follow up: How are you leading others—are you driving them or drawing them?

What are the pros and cons of driving/drawing people? When is each appropriate?