Ignite Passion
My mentor steven reiss
The father of "The Science of Motivation"
Steven’s role in shaping my career was profound. Over the years of his mentorship, trust flourished—not only in my abilities but also in the connections I built under his influence. His guidance cultivated a foundation from which I could grow professionally and personally.
A key part of this journey was the network I developed, inspired in no small measure by Steven’s work, particularly his seminal book, The Science of Motivation. Its resonance, spanning several European countries, speaks to the universal relevance of his ideas. How often do we encounter potent ideas that transcend borders, becoming shared tools for growth and introspection?
Reflecting on Steven’s impact, it’s evident that his associates carried forward his philosophy of motivation, weaving it into their narratives. This ripple effect—how one individual’s insights can permeate so many lives—remains a powerful testament to the enduring nature of his work. As a society, have we underestimated the lasting influence of mentorship on intellectual and emotional landscapes?
As I pass Steven’s legacy to my son, Daniele, I transition from mentee to creator. Writing, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, has become my medium for continuing this dialogue. Here, I aim to merge the clarity of academic thought with the accessibility of storytelling, inviting readers to engage with ideas that challenge and inspire.
In this effort, I see my work as an invitation—a space for reflection and exploration. Through my words, I hope to contribute to the ongoing discourse on motivation and human connection, just as Steven once did for me.
Brunello | Motivational Intelligence Advocate
Our mission
Empowering growth and resilience through motivational intelligence advocacy initiatives.
Steven Reiss: A Legacy of Innovation and Understanding
Few figures in psychology have left a legacy as profound and enduring as Steven Reiss. His work on human motivation challenges us to look deeper, to question the forces that drive our actions and desires. What compels us to seek certain paths, to prioritize one value over another? Reiss’ insights offer a framework for exploring these questions—not as rigid answers, but as tools for introspection and understanding. Even years after his passing, his ideas resonate, prompting both professionals and individuals to reflect on the intricate layers of human behavior and the universal quest for meaning.
human motivation
His groundbreaking exploration of human behavior revealed sixteen fundamental desires as the core forces driving our every action. These desires, he proposed, are not mere abstractions but the underlying currents shaping even the most mundane aspects of our lives. What compels us to act as we do? Could it be that these universal motives function as the intricate gears that turn the larger, unseen machinery of the human psyche? In tracing these patterns, he offered a lens through which we might better understand ourselves—not as isolated individuals but as part of a shared human experience, governed by impulses both primal and profoundly complex.
The Reiss Motivation Profile®
His groundbreaking exploration into the forces that drive human behavior revealed sixteen fundamental desires—core motivations that act as the engines of our actions. What may appear as mundane or routine behaviors, he observed, are in fact guided by these universal impulses. Each desire functions as a vital cog, intricately interwoven into the vast and complex machinery of the human psyche. This raises a profound question: how much of what we do is truly intentional, and how much is shaped by these underlying forces? By examining these motives, we gain a lens through which to better understand not just individual actions, but the shared patterns that connect us all.
the normal personality
In his influential work, The Normal Personality - A New Way of Thinking About People, Reiss challenges the conventional lens through which we view personality. He calls for an empathic reframe—one that sees individuality not as a collection of outliers or deviations, but as reflections of deeply human, natural aspirations. This perspective invites us to reconsider what we often label as "abnormal." Could it be that so-called disorderly behaviors are not flaws but misunderstood expressions of spontaneity or an unfulfilled human need? By embracing this view, we gain an appreciation for the intricate and varied motivations that drive us, reminding us of the profound beauty in human diversity. What might the world look like if we celebrated these differences rather than pathologized them?
steven's legacy
Steven Reiss's journey was one marked by profound resilience, shaped by his confrontation with a life-threatening autoimmune disease. This personal battle became a catalyst for his advocacy, as he championed organ transplants for individuals with mental disabilities—a cause that illuminated his unwavering belief in human dignity and equity. His work was not limited to his own experience; it extended into a broader exploration of human motivation. By daring to research in areas fraught with controversy, Reiss challenged prevailing assumptions, inviting us to reconsider the intrinsic value of every individual’s desires and intentions. What does it mean to understand human worth beyond conventional measures? His life and work compel us to grapple with this question, balancing personal narratives with universal truths.