Americans want to feel they are choosing their own paths. Autonomy—the ability to make decisions, control your work, and direct your own life—is deeply valued. Constraints imposed by others are resented; being told what to do without input is demotivating.
When working with Americans, preserve their sense of choice wherever possible. Even when direction is needed, frame it in ways that respect individual judgment. Offer options rather than mandates. Explain rationale rather than simply issuing orders.
Micromanagement is experienced as disrespectful; trust and independence are motivating. Americans respond better to guidance they feel they are choosing to follow than to requirements imposed without input. Create contexts where people feel they have meaningful choice, and you align with a fundamental value. Constraints on autonomy that seem arbitrary or unnecessary will generate resistance, even when the constraints might be beneficial. United States Motivation
Comments