EP21: Drives in Action: Understanding DRIVE-based Communication - Part 3: Relating Drives

Loading player...
In this episode, we step into the relating domain — the human heartbeat of team communication. After exploring the Thinking and Accomplishing domains in Episodes 19 and 20, we now turn to the 10 Drives that shape emotional connection, build trust, and create psychological safety in teams.

From the expressive Articulator to the empathetic Caretaker, from the loyal Confidant to the energising Enthusiast, we unpack how each Drive uniquely influences communication styles — and what to look out for when these Drives are either dominant or draining. We also explore real-world insights from leadership coaching and team dynamics, including how these Drives show up in meetings, one-on-ones, and team culture.

Expect honest reflection, practical examples, and powerful reminders of what it means to relate well in the workplace.

Whether you're leading a team or wanting to understand your own communication better, this episode will deepen your insight into how relational energy flows — and where it sometimes gets stuck.

Tune in to discover:

How different Drives shape tone, trust, and timing
What happens when we over- or underuse relational energy
How to support teammates with different relational needs

This episode is part of our DRIVE series. To discover your own Drives, visit engagementfitdrive.com
.
13 Nov 2025 English South Africa Careers · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

EP29 Driving Impact: Dynamic Contrast between Enthusiast and Skeptic with Dries and Louise

Join us as we explore the interaction between two contrasting DRIVES: the Enthusiast (emotionally expressive and relational) and the Skeptic (logical, analytical, and stabilizing). The conversation highlights how misaligned expectations between emotional and logical DRIVES can cause tension. For example, Louise may express thoughts with emotional depth, while Dries may…
22 Jun 46 min

EP28 Drives in Action: Awareness to Application Part 3B Relating Drives

Continuing from Episode 27, Andrew and Claire explore the application of Relating Drives, beginning with the Impact Player and moving through Includer, Networker, Nurturer, and Supporter. These DRIVES shape how people connect, influence, and support others within teams and relationships. The Relating Domain brings warmth, empathy, connection, and influence into…
5 Jun 27 min

EP27 Drives in Action: Awareness to Application Part 3A Relating Drives

In this Episode we are exploring the green energy of human connection—how relating DRIVES Articulator, Caretaker, Confidant, Enthusiast and Guardian shape the way we interact, influence, and navigate relationships. These DRIVES bring depth, meaning, and belonging into systems, ensuring performance happens with people, not at their expense. Relating DRIVES are…
7 May 26 min

EP26 Drives in Action: Awareness to Application - Part 2B (Thinking Drives)

This episode explores four thinking drives that influence how people process information, make decisions, and contribute intellectually within teams: the Skeptic, Specialist, Orientator, and Visionary. A key theme of the discussion is how each drive moves from awareness (how a person notices and interprets information)to application (how that insight turns…
9 Apr 32 min

EP25: Drives in Action: Awareness to Application - Part 2A (Thinking Drives)

In this episode, we explore the Thinking Domain — the blue energy of reflection, reasoning, strategy, and conceptual clarity. Thinking Drives pause before acting. They help us interpret complexity, shape meaning, and elevate long-term decision-making. But awareness alone isn’t enough — thinking must translate into application. Each thinking drive is…
17 Mar 32 min