Motivation

I have been contemplating motivations.  Our own motivations are often even unknown to ourselves.  I may think we know, but I am unsure if I really do.  Often, when constraints are removed, different motivations come to the surface.
I am great believer in looking at myself first.  If I am to make blanket statements then I need to know where I am coming from initially.  I have found that every time I point a finger, there are three pointing back at me.  If I was an eight fingered person, there would be six pointing back at me.  The thumb sorta points into the air.  When the hand is side on, the thumb points parallel to the ground.  Which way it points depends on which hand is used.  I am looking at motivation amongst equals. 
This does not include the boss.  If they say do something, then I better do it.  The last thing I want, is to upset someone who has the power to see me sacked.  I may not agree with them, but mostly it is best I keep my mouth shut. Of course, it depends on the relationship, but I must always remember the situation can change in an instant, and mostly I am powerless to change the outcome.
I guess I am thinking about this as there is something I have only recently realized.    What has occurred to me is, most people ascribe to me their own motivations.  I do not know any of us could do any different.
If a person is by nature suspicious, they will attribute anything I do with suspicion.  It seems to become a case of get him before he gets you.  By the same token, someone may be open and set wide boundaries, because that is the way they are.
I was talking with someone recently who said relationships come first.  I so agree with that. I believe in the best, unless it has been proven otherwise.  The good thing to me is, I do not need to spend long with a person to get a feel for where they are coming from.  Heaps can be achieved by people who understand that another is simply giving it their best shot.  To me, the best outcomes are achieved through relationship first and then the task.
That though is not always possible.  Sometimes it is only after I have taken something on, I discover what I a dealing with.  I always have a choice though.  At the very least I can get on with it.  I think it is in everyone’s interests I don’t complain.  I have found that complaining generally makes others feel worse.  If something needs to be done then do it  - otherwise just do it.
Sometimes different situations reveal a different motivation that I never knew existed.  This leaves me open to having the wool pulled over my eyes. It has happened before, and there is a chance it will happen again.  I feel I am better armed, but then I don’t know what I don’t know.  Still I would rather believe the best, then clutch things tightly because I believe the worst.
I cannot really know the motivation of another, and I have enough difficulty knowing my own.  I can though, get a feel for what I think someone’s motivation is, by spending time with them, and seeing the fruits of their labour.  All will be revealed.  In the meantime, I will work with what I can work with, based on my perception of another’s motivations.