Many times, it’s easy to make an assumption about what motivates us and what is most important to us in our careers and lives. This can be the result of believing that there is a right or wrong answer to what employers are seeking in the people they hire.
I will suggest that there is no wrong answer to what motivates you. In fact, becoming aware of it is key toward bringing the most impact for a company and for the company to create work environments that appeal to their top talent for the long haul retention they desire.
We can all identify with and have an appeal to each of these Performance Motivators™ on some level. So don't be surprised that several answers may seem true for you. At any point in your life, each of these can be appealing. It's important to really consider yourself RIGHT NOW as you answer these questions.
We can also fall into the trap of making assumptions about what motivates our employees. Sometimes it’s based on thinking their answers are the same as what motivates us, and other times it’s because we knew what motivated someone in the past and we assume it is the same.
This is not a personality test- in case you’ve taken these before. I’m a big fan of them as well, but what they don’t address is that people evolve and change based on the season of their lives. What motivates you at the beginning of your career may become different later in your career or based on other life circumstances. This is what is taken into consideration in this short quiz. Then, an overlap with personality tests can be fun to evaluate too, but they are each a stand alone awareness tool for you.
Take your time on the quiz- and think about what is motivating you based on your life today. Several of them may speak to you, but which answer feels the MOST true for you? (In other words, don’t answer based on the one you THINK is right, the one you WISH were true or the one you think you SHOULD answer.) I ask that you really put yourself into the position of these questions and determine which one IS true, even if you are surprised or don’t like the answer. It’s ok, it means nothing, other than awareness. From there, you can be curious about it. Today is just becoming aware.
When you take this quiz, I want you to assume that the amount of money, benefits and perks are exactly the same across the board. Money doesn’t affect or play into these answers AT ALL! In other words, all other things are equal with the exception being the answers listed. (ie. Same drive time if applicable, same industry, same skillsets, and responsibilities are required of you, etc…)
Select the ‘most accurate’ answers for yourself, to the following questions: