- Achievement – This employee enjoys the satisfaction of completing their job. They know that their skills are valuable, and they desire to use them successfully. As a leader, provide them with challenging projects.
- Power – An employee with a need for power enjoys feeling “in charge.” They love to influence and persuade others. Find ways to give them some authority over others.
- Affiliation – An employee who has a strong desire for affiliation enjoys interacting with others and likes the social aspect of the workplace. To motivate these people, provide opportunities for collaboration.
- Autonomy – This employee prefers independence. They want to have the freedom to make their own choices. To motivate them, allow them to work independently rather than in a group setting.
- Esteem – This employee just needs honest praise. As their leader, provide lots of encouragement and recognition. Let them know that their work is noticed and appreciated.
- Equity – This employee simply wants to be treated fairly. They often compare their work hours, responsibilities, and privileges to their fellow employees and will be discouraged by any discrepancies.
- Security – This employee needs the security that comes with having a job. They are motivated by a steady income, health insurance, and safe working conditions. Find ways to give these employees predictable, low-risk assignments.
Seven Different Employee Motivations! What Motivates You?
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Dear Dr. Mimi – Frustrated
Dear Dr. Mimi, I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them? —Frustrated Dear Frustrated, It can be tricky working with new employees. If you…
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Dear Dr. Mimi – Overwhelmed
Dear Dr. Mimi, My spouse and I now both work full-time jobs and have a three-year-old. I had been home full-time while my spouse worked. Our son is in day care and seems to love it, but I am unsure how to balance having a family, being an employee, and doing well in both jobs.…
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Monitoring Productivity
It may be daunting to look at your schedule for the coming months. Here are a few tips to help you stay on task and monitor your productivity: Clarify the vision. What do you hope to achieve? How will you accomplish this? Get specific! Define the milestones you aim to reach. Sit down and devote…