On the surface, the frenetic John Wick movies follow a man who is impossibly angry. The anger takes top billing, but it is really just a response to being heartbroken.

What does this have to do with you? Sometimes the people you work with will make confusing decisions, or react in unexpected ways, because of root causes you don’t understand.

Instead of vilifying and dismissing them, consider engaging with them to explore their motivations.

What do THEY want to achieve?

What pressures are THEY navigating?

What are THEY afraid of?

Their motivations don’t excuse their actions – John Wick isn’t a “good guy” – but understanding their motivations will give you insight about how to maximize your effectiveness when working with them.