Independence is our desire for self-reliance and one of our life motives. It motivates people to make their own decisions and to value their personal freedom. We all have this need, but to a very different extent, from a very low need for some – to a very high need for others.

Those who have a strong need for independence are sensitive to any limitation of their personal space at work (and privately). Many of them prefer to be independently responsible for their work and only occasionally check with colleagues the progress of a total team effort. It also affects how much they want to stand out as individuals.

A person with a strong need for independence resists anything that might limit her decision making. She wants to do things her way because she values her individuality. She does not want to be stubborn, but rather want to cherish her individuality.

If you want to know more about your own and/or your colleagues’ motives, there is a scientifically validated method: Reiss Motivation Profile, RMP. Mindful is conducting a leadership training in RMP. For more information, see below:

http://www.mindful.se/tjanster/ledarskap/ledarskapsutbildning/motiverande-ledare

Aila Kekkonen

Certified Reiss Motivation Profile coach, facilitator and trainer