This is the need to achieve, excel and succeed. A person with this type of need, will set goals that are challenging but realistic. The goals have to be challenging so that the person can feel a sense of achievement. However the goals also have to be realistic as the person believes that when a goal is unrealistic, its achievement is dependant on chance rather than personal skill or contribution. This type of person prefers to work alone or with other high achievers. They do not need praise or recognition, achievement of the task is their reward.
A person with a “need for achievement” (N-Ach) needs regular job-related feedback so that they can review their progress and achievement. Feedback includes advancement in the person’s position in the organisation. Salary scale will also be viewed as measure of progress. The amount of salary is not about increasing wealth for a person with a high need for achievement. Instead this type of person is focusing on how their level of salary symbolises their progress and achievement.
McClelland believed that people with a strong need for achievement (N-Ach), make the best leaders for a variety of reasons including setting goals, reviewing progress and continuously looking at how things can be done better. However they may “expect too much” from their team as they believe that others have the same “need for achievement” which is often not the case.