6 Ways to Motivate Different People in Your Workplace

 

Research conducted in 2004 found six different segments in the American workplace. All workplaces, especially large ones, will likely employ some of each type of worker. The list includes:

1. Fair and Square Traditionalists, who want their work to provide stability and a secure future.

Motivate them by:

• Asking for and giving them feedback
• Talking to them frankly
• Discussing the mission and their role in making it happen

2. Accomplished Contributors, who prize teamwork.

Motivate them by:

• Nudging them toward team leadership roles
• Giving them specific measurements of their success and growth
• Asking them what they want to do next

3. Stalled Survivors, who see work as work, not life.

Motivate them by:

• Focusing on work-life balance and what to do when one is out of kilter
• Putting them on teams that provide support, empathy and role models
• Helping them plan for their career future

 4. Demanding Disconnects, your least satisfied workers.

Motivate them by:

• Giving them non-routine tasks
• Discovering their strengths to use on the job
• Paying attention to their ideas

5. Maverick Morphers are enthusiastic and like trying new things.

Motivate them by:

• Providing a congenial work environment
• Letting them know what's going on
• Discussing their progress

6. Self-Empowered Innovators like work for the sake of work.

Motivate them by:

• Giving them responsibilities that allow for learning and growth
• Ridding their path of obstacles
• Allowing them to stretch the company's vision    

Article by:  Jim Sirbasku, CEO

Profiles International