What Determines Focus & Assertiveness?

Every behavior has a purpose, or an intent, that the behavior is trying to fulfill. People engage in behaviors based on their intent, and do what they do based on what seems to be most important in any given moment. Four general intents have been identified that determine how we will behave in any given situation or circumstance, these four intents are:

1. Get the task done

2. Get the task right

3. Get along with people

4. Get appreciation from peole

Just as we choose what to wear from a variety of clothing styles, so we choose from a variety of behaviors that are situationally dependent. We may have a favourite shirt or pair of pants, an we may also have a behavioral style that we prefer. But rather than having one behavioral style all the time, our behavior changes as our priorities change. We may find it helpful to identify these four intents in ourselves, and recognize their connection to our own behavior in various types of situations. This will make us easier to observe and understand in others.

"AS OUR INTENT CHANGES, SO DOES OUR BEHAVIOR"

reference:

1. Dr Rick Brinkman & Dr Rick Kirschner (1994). Dealing With People You Cant Stand. McGraw-Hill.