By Kevin Hughes

When an organization is able to create an environment that has strong values and growth potential, recruiting the right kind of people becomes a more effective process. In addition, if an organization conveys a clear message of what they believe and why they believe it, team members work with an increased level of connection and desire. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the average person changes his or her job every 4.4 years, with the younger generation of millennial workers staying about half as long. One reason commonly cited for making a career change (especially in millennials) is that the organization was unable to consistently create an environment to motivate their team based on what mattered to them most.

These valuable members of your team are looking for a motivating environment to thrive in based on their unique core convictions. Mike is an incredibly ambitious person who desires to grow in his role to seek a better future for himself. Sara has high belief and values the integrity of the organization to never be compromised. Chris is motivated by his compassion allowing customers to feel appreciated. Julie values discipline and feels a sense of completion when she finishes a big project. By understanding what motivates others provides a framework for who to recruit to join your organization as well as to discover how to create an environment that motivates current team members allowing them to stay in the organization longer and work with more drive and engagement than ever before. In order to create that motivating environment, ask the right questions, actively listen, and be the change in your organization.

Ambition: The “Future” Trait

Individuals, whose highest score is for Ambition, proactively seek a better future by improving themselves, their organization, or community.  In work settings they often take the lead and move a team or organization forward.

General Characteristics:

• Forward-looking-can help an organization envision the future
• Optimistic-sees a better future
• Will take steps to improve self
• Sometimes dismissive of others who don’t try to improve self
• Self-confident-will often seek leadership roles
• Often willing to assume risk
• Often entrepreneurial-may feel constrained by rigid rules
• Can be seen by others as an overachiever
• Proactive in reaching goals
• Can provide energy to an organization
• Provides initiative for moving projects forward
• Can provide vitality to low performing teams

Belief: The “Moral-Decision” Trait

Individuals, whose highest score is for Belief, trust in and live according to a predefined ethical system. They make decisions about moral behavior based upon traditional views of right and wrong.

General Characteristics: 

• Often identify with traditional values
• Have a thoughtful but sometimes rigid ethical system
• Have high standards for conduct in the workplace
• Provide a good sounding board for difficult decisions
• Can become good mentors for junior employees
• Will take steps to improve character
• Needs to see integrity in the management of the organization
• Value honesty, hard work, and personal integrity
• Is often very conscientious about quality in customer service
• Can be seen as “out of touch” with current societal beliefs

Compassion: The “Giving” Trait

Individuals, whose highest score is for Compassion, possess a rare quality for giving to others in need.  They give their time and resources in order to help others succeed, become self-reliant, or contribute to the well-being of society.

General Characteristics: 

• Friendly-often good at making people feel welcome
• Hopeful about the human condition to better self
• Can help a team become “client-centered”
• Attracted to careers that are client-centered
• Can be seen as too emotional and sometimes irrational in the ways they give
• Others-centered
• Value long term relationships with employees and clients
• Can help clients feel appreciated
• Is often motivated more by the mission of an organization than by financial gain
• Value leaders who demonstrate compassion and giving to others

Discipline: The “Dedication” Trait

Individuals, whose highest score is for Discipline, have an ability to sustain focus and dedicate themselves to the completion of a task or goal.  They are tenacious.

General Characteristics: 

• Good with follow-through
• Can help a team finish projects
• Can make a significant contribution to the goals of a team
• Often displays loyalty to respected leaders and organizations
• Can be seen as inflexible, committed to only one way of doing things
• Attracted to organizations with a clear mission and vision
• Passionate about work
• Desires to see timely completion of projects
• Can provide a good example of “follow-through” for other employees
• Can be good with following up with requests from clients

 

Tags Employee Engagement Human Resources Leadership Management Motivation Personal Development Professional Development Recruitment WorkTraits