Why do you do what you do???

One of the important steps I encourage clients to take when considering a career change is to look at their Motivators. These are the things that move you to action, inspire and excite you. A method for uncovering them is a self assessment: think about the times you’ve been extremely satisfied and happy with your life. What was occurring, who were the people involved, what activities were you engaged in, and how did all this make you feel? Find the common thread and there you have some clues to your personal motivation.

Many think that money and benefits are the top reasons people stay with their jobs. Psychologists’ research shows that these are only temporary motivators and actually become expectations of a job – that we will receive payment, salary increases, and some kind of benefits package.

Here’s an interesting finding from an annual Employee Motivation survey. The first column shows how Employees rate 10 possible motivators. The second column shows how Supervisors expect employees to rank them, unfortunately highlighting a considerable disconnect between the two groups.

Employees
Appreciation
Feeling “in” on things
An Understanding attitude
Job security
Good wages
Interesting work
Promotion opportunities
Loyalty from management
Good working conditions
Tactful discipline

Supervisors
Good wages
Job security
Promotion opportunities
Good working conditions
Interesting work
Loyalty from management
Tactful discipline
Appreciation
An Understanding attitude
Feeling “in” on things

Notice the top three wants from employees have to do with being appreciated and feeling like a part of the bigger picture, huge components to career satisfaction. Too bad those top three are at the bottom of the Supervisors’ list.

Take a little time this week to identify your own motivators. Are you getting what you need from your work, and if in a management role, are you giving what others need?