Mastery
Competence
In Self-Determination Theory, competence refers to the experience of effectiveness, growth, and skillful impact. In RoleCraft ID, we call this Mastery—the need to know that your effort is working, that your capability is increasing, and that your contribution is not accidental or fragile.
People who rank Mastery highest are not driven by status or perfection. They are driven by confidence earned through capability.
When Mastery is supported, these individuals engage deeply, refine continuously, and raise the standard of work around them. When it is blocked—through stagnation, vague expectations, or repeated failure—they lose motivation even if freedom and meaning are present.
What Mastery Actually Is (and Is Not)
Mastery is:
Clear expectations and feedback loops.
Progressive challenge that stretches but does not overwhelm.
Opportunities to deepen capability over time.
Evidence that effort leads to improved effectiveness.
Mastery is not:
Perfectionism.
Credential accumulation.
Constant novelty.
External validation alone.
How to Know Mastery Is Your Primary Need
Mastery is likely your top Self-Determination priority if:
You become restless when learning plateaus.
You disengage when standards are unclear or inconsistent.
You value feedback—even hard feedback—more than encouragement.
You feel most alive when solving complex problems skillfully.
If Mastery is your top priority:
Seek environments with feedback and challenge.
Track progress, not just outcomes.
Advocate for learning resources and clarity.
If Mastery is secondary:
Protect growth in critical skill areas.
Accept plateaus temporarily—but not indefinitely.
If Mastery is last:
You may tolerate ambiguity longer—but still need moments of competence reinforcement
In Conclusion
Mastery is not ego.
It is earned confidence.
As competence grows, your RoleCraft ID gains weight, credibility, and staying power.
To learn how to apply Self-Determination Priorities to your Role and Craft, consult the RoleCraft ID manual.