The Secret to Great Teams: Understanding Core Human Drives (Learn, Acquire, Defend, Bond)
Great teams are not built by accident. They work well because each person’s core human drives are understood. Jay Johnson explains these four drives and how leaders can use them to build stronger teams and better communication.
Key Takeaways
Humans are driven by four biological needs: Learn, Acquire, Defend, and Bond. Every team member has all four, but in different levels.
When any drive is ignored, people feel stressed, disconnected, or unsafe. Strong teams help fill all four buckets.
Your highest drive influences how you make decisions, what motivates you, and how you react under pressure.
Notable Quotes
“Just because you’re high in something doesn’t mean you’re good at it, and just because you’re low doesn’t mean you’re bad at it.”
“You can deliver the same message, but you need to package it in a way that lands for that audience.”
“You might think someone is difficult, but to them, you are the difficult person.”
Real-World Applications (With Examples)
Improve team communication
Leaders can deliver the same information but tailor it to each person’s drive.
Example: A CFO may want data and risk details, while an L&D leader wants impact on people and learning.Build better roles and responsibilities
You can match tasks to what energizes each person.
Example: A high “Acquire” teammate may enjoy leading a competitive project, while a high “Bond” teammate may thrive in a community-building role.Strengthen employee engagement
People stay longer when all four drives are met.
Example: A job with great pay (Acquire) but no growth (Learn) or connection (Bond) will still burn people out.
Great teams work better when leaders understand what drives people. When you know what each person needs to feel motivated, safe, connected, and challenged, the team becomes stronger and communication becomes easier. Understanding these four drives is a simple way to create a better workplace for everyone.
Time Stamps:
01:40 Emily's Unique Behavioral Assessment
03:19 Understanding Behavioral Intelligence
04:12 The Four Core Drives
06:05 Balancing the Drives
14:54 Applying Behavioral Insights in Organizations
21:34 Handling Difficult People with Behavioral Assessments
24:41 The Thumbtack Rule: Managing Team Dynamics
27:44 Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses
37:10 Understanding Drives in Different Roles
40:18 Special Offer and Closing Remarks
Links Mentioned:
Jay Johnson’s Podcast: Talent Forge
Chiefs of Staff interested in the free behavioral assessment can email Emily at: emily@nextlevel.coach. Promo code: "J" or just put "J" in the subject line.
Connect with Jay Johnson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg
Email Jay Johnson at: jay@behavioralelements.com
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.