What Drives Wimpy Behavior?

June 15, 2011 by Taylor Studios in Professional & Industry Tips

I’m pleased to welcome back guest blogger, Mike Donahue. Mike is an who has done more than 2,500 hours of one to one coaching sessions and facilitated over 360 group coaching sessions. He resides in Indianapolis where he shares an office with a piebald dachshund named Fiona.


I frequently mention when I blog. This blog is all about what Dr. Thayer calls the “Five Drivers of Wimpy Behavior.” I pulled these thoughts from Chapter 7 of his book, Leadership: Thinking, Being, Doing. You can’t be a leader if you act like a wimp; truth be told, I’ve displayed these behaviors from time to time and I’ve seen them in others often enough that I thought it was worth sharing Thayer’s thinking.

Routines also allow people to function on auto pilot. When this happens they perform without being engaged mentally or emotionally. Those who are not engaged in their work won’t be the ones who see or implement ways of improving the processes by which work gets done. Routines are the enemy of engagement; Dr. Thayer says they “displace life.” What does he mean by that?

The opposite of the knowing mode is the learning mode. In learning mode we are curious; we’re asking questions and we’re open to new ideas and new ways of seeing, feeling and acting.

Now you know about the drivers of wimpy behaviors; I hope I’ve triggered a commitment to get outside your comfort zone to address a habit, or routine to avoid being a wimp. Thayer says, “You won’t change if you aren’t dissatisfied with yourself.” How dissatisfied are you with your wimpy behaviors? Dissatisfied enough to change?

If you thought this blog was interesting, check out . It’s not an easy read, and he’s the best leadership thinker you’ll come across. I’ve learned from the book, been engaged by Thayer’s thinking and I’ve profited from the book by sharing its lessons in my one to one executive coaching sessions and leadership group meetings.

Thanks to Mike for being one of our regular guest bloggers. If you’re interested in writing for us, contact Kara at kvanskike@3.88.251.127.