Opportunism

A core value within the orange drive of Management Drives

Opportunism is a core value closely linked to the orange drive within Management Drives. People who value opportunism are constantly on the lookout for ways to achieve their goals and maximise their success. They have a keen eye for opportunities and are willing to act swiftly to gain advantage. This focus on opportunism encourages proactivity, strategic thinking, and a strong drive for progress—traits that are characteristic of the orange drive.

What motivates people who focus on opportunism?

The need for opportunism stems from a desire for success, recognition, and personal growth. The underlying motivations include:

• Spotting and seizing opportunities: They are skilled at identifying potential opportunities in their environment and quickly converting them into tangible results.

• Flexibility and adaptability: They can swiftly adjust to changing circumstances and are willing to adapt their strategies to make the most of emerging opportunities.

• Self-confidence and initiative: Their strong self-belief empowers them to take risks and show initiative, helping them advance and achieve their goals.

• Ambition and performance orientation: They continually strive for higher levels of achievement and success, which drives them to keep searching for new ways to grow and excel.

By fulfilling these needs, they are motivated to actively seek out and capitalise on opportunities, which supports both personal and professional development.

The impact of opportunism within teams

Within teams, individuals who value opportunism create a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. They encourage colleagues to be open to new ideas and initiatives, which can lead to innovation and improved performance. Their ability to act quickly and seize opportunities helps the team remain competitive and responsive to changing market conditions.

However, if not well-balanced, opportunism can also lead to conflict or an overemphasis on individual success at the expense of team goals. Therefore, it is important that these individuals learn to balance their opportunistic drive with collaboration and team alignment.

How opportunism relates to other core values

Opportunism differs from, for example, collaboration, a core value associated with the green drive in Management Drives. While people who value opportunism focus on identifying and capitalising on opportunities for personal and professional gain, those with a strong focus on collaboration prioritise working together and building strong relationships within the team.

• Opportunism fosters proactivity, strategic thinking, and the pursuit of individual and team goals.

• Collaboration promotes team spirit, shared responsibility, and collective efforts.

These core values can complement each other within a team: opportunism brings innovation and the drive to seize emerging possibilities, while collaboration ensures a cohesive environment in which these opportunities can be effectively realised. Together, they contribute to a dynamic and successful organisation.

Opportunism as a core value for personal growth

Pursuing opportunism supports personal growth by developing strategic thinking, adaptability, and proactive behaviour. People who value opportunism learn how to respond quickly to change and how to turn opportunities into concrete success. Through this focus, they enhance their professional capabilities and strengthen their position within the organisation. Their ability to recognise and act on opportunities makes them valuable team members and potential leaders who contribute to the sustainable growth and success of their team and organisation.