Lesson 1 – Understanding the Psychology Behind Human Behaviour

Why do people act the way they do at work?
Every leader has faced moments where their team seems disengaged, reactive, or stuck in survival mode. Traditional “one-size-fits-all” motivational tactics often fail, because they overlook the deeper drivers of human behaviour.

If leaders can understand what truly motivates people — whether it’s fear, reward, or purpose — they can unlock new levels of performance, trust, and resilience.

Martin Johnson on Lesson 1: The Psychology Behind Human Behaviour

T2’s leadership philosophy is grounded in behavioural science, which recognises that all human behaviour is either motivated towards pleasure and reward, or away from danger and uncertainty.

It is also rooted in the understanding that humans are driven by three core functions: survival, reproduction and purpose. Leaders who grasp these fundamental drivers can better motivate and lead their teams by recognising what drives individual behaviour.

When you can help people understand how their brain works and whether they’re operating from a place of survival mode or lacking purpose, you can start to address the real issues affecting performance.

This insight transforms how leaders approach team motivation. Rather than applying blanket motivational techniques, effective leaders diagnose whether team members are operating from a place of fear and uncertainty, or from a lack of purpose and meaning. The response to each is entirely different.

This understanding becomes particularly crucial during times of change or crisis, when teams naturally default to survival mode. Leaders who recognise these patterns can consciously shift their communication and decision-making to address the underlying psychological drivers, rather than just the surface symptoms.

Martin Johnson is the founder and CEO of T2 The People Performance People, a consultancy at the cutting edge of leadership thinking, working with elite sports teams, market-leading businesses and public sector organisations. His journey from Royal Navy serviceman to leadership expert offers unique insights into what it takes to truly lead in the modern world.

Now in its 10th year, T2’s client roster includes the likes of the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, Manchester United, Specsavers, Reckitt, and Belstaff.

Johnson’s approach combines organisational performance with performance psychology, offering a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application that has made T2 a go-to consultancy for organisations seeking genuine transformation.

Here, Martin shares his 10 lessons in leadership. They represent more than abstract principles; they’re battle-tested approaches that have been refined through a decade of working with high-performing individuals and organisations. They offer a roadmap for leaders who understand that true leadership is ultimately about understanding and mobilising human beings in pursuit of shared objectives.

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This article is part of our 10 Lessons of Leadership series, celebrating 10 years of T2. Each month, we’ll share a new lesson from our CEO, Martin Johnson, designed to give leaders practical insights they can apply straight away.

Watch our journey. Be part of it!