Decoding Motivation: Lessons from Athletes Applied to Business and Leadership

In the ever-evolving landscapes of both sports and business, the principles of motivation play a pivotal role in shaping performance outcomes.  In my workshop ‘Showing Up Your Best ' we talk about the dichotomy of motivation specific to athletes, distinguishing between MAS (Motivated by the Achievement of Success) and MAF (Motivated by the Avoidance of Failure) and draw parallels to their application in a corporate setting.

Understanding these motivational frameworks helps individuals gain a deeper insight to how their motivation works.  It can also help coaches and bosses improve interactions with their teams to better navigate specific events and achieve success. 

• MAS - Motivated by the Achievement of Success

• MAF - Motivated by the Avoidance of Failure

*Neither one is better than the other **Seldomly does one athlete live 100% in one of these; but fall somewhere in between depending on the event 

❓Why does it matter to know which one you are❓

Because your coach will ‘coach’ you based on your characteristics and having your own self awareness of whether you’re MAS or MAF will help you manage your mental well-being.

The MAS Mindset: Thriving on Success, Thriving in Business

The MAS mindset are those motivated by the achievement of success.  Let’s review how MAS principles can be applied to the corporate world, influencing coaching strategies and the dynamics of professional growth.

Characteristics of MAS Mindset and Their Business Equivalents

1.) Detail-Oriented Excellence in Work:  

• MAS-driven employees respond exceptionally well to detailed guidance in their professional endeavors.

• They embrace challenges, seeing setbacks as opportunities for improvement rather than insurmountable failures.

2. ) Perspective and Reality in the Workplace:  

• MAS principles promote a balanced perspective in the corporate world, where individuals maintain a realistic understanding of each situation.

• They comprehend that deviations from the plan are inherent to the journey and won't undermine overall success.

3.) Resilience in Professional Setbacks:

• MAS-driven professionals approach challenges with resilience, recognizing that minor deviations won't significantly impact their overall performance.
  

The MAF Mindset: Navigating Avoidance, Navigating Corporate Challenges

The MAF driven mindset is motivated by the avoidance of failure.  Let’s explore how MAF principles apply to the corporate setting, influencing employee performance and how bosses can motivate and guide their teams.

Characteristics of MAF Mindset and Their Business Equivalents

1.) Performance Perception in the Workplace: 

• MAF-driven employees may perform optimally when tasks are perceived as either very easy or very challenging in the corporate context.

• Their motivation may waver when the perceived threat to self-esteem is high in a professional setting.

2.) Over-arousal and Task Irrelevance at Work: 

• In a corporate setting, MAF-driven professionals might become over aroused on significant workdays, focusing on task-irrelevant concerns like the fear of disappointing their boss or colleagues.

3.) Fear of Consequences in Professional Settings: 

• MAF-driven professionals may experience a fear of consequences related to performance, such as repercussions from superiors, clients, or peer groups.
  

Managing Mental Well-being in the Workplace

1.) Leadership Alignment: Leaders can tailor their management approach based on employees' motivational tendencies, optimizing coaching and guidance strategies for both success-driven and failure-avoidance mindsets.

2.) Self-Awareness for Employees: Employees benefit from self-awareness, allowing them to navigate mental challenges and optimize their performance based on their motivational tendencies.

3.) Balancing Confidence and Perception at Work: Recognizing how confidence is associated with specific tasks and understanding the perceived work environment helps professionals maintain a healthy balance between success-driven and failure-avoidance motivations.

As we draw parallels between MAS and MAF motivations and their counterparts in the corporate landscape, the lessons learned extend far beyond the playing field. By recognizing and embracing these motivational frameworks, leaders can foster an environment where every team member can thrive, and professionals navigate their career journeys with a nuanced understanding of their motivations and potential.

If this topic of motivation struck a chord with you, consider taking it a step further by scheduling a personalized Team Building workshop, 'Showing Up Your Best.' We can explore the nuances of your team's motivational landscape, understand how each member operates, and cultivate an environment that fosters collective growth. Contact me to schedule a workshop that unlocks the full potential of your team.