Motivational Insights with the Workplace Motivators Report

A person’s performance can be directly related to Workplace Motivators. The Motivational Insights report allows individuals to understand how their prioritized values affect choices and provide purpose and direction in their lives. When combined with the behavioral assessment, the picture of the individual is complete – both HOW he or she will behave and WHY – the values and motivational drivers behind his or her actions. Values are the drivers behind our behavior. Abstract concepts in themselves, values are principles or standards by which we act. Values are beliefs held so strongly that they affect the behavior of an individual or an organization.

This tool has direct application as a key part of a selection and development process. Values help to initiate one’s behavior, and are sometimes called the hidden motivators because they are not always readily observed. The profile’s narrative report illuminates these motivating factors and attitudes and allows people to understand the driving forces behind their decisions. For example, if you were to develop a bonus program, would you know what “perks” would actually motivate a person? If you’re giving money to a person with a low economic, high aesthetic value, it would be a mistake. You might better motivate him or her with the prospect of a newly designed office. Which would be most motivational: a cash bonus, a trip to a technological convention, a pass to a major classical art exhibition, to be given an assistant, or to be freed of the tasks of managing others? If you know what is most valued, you know how to motivate.

Consciously or unconsciously, every decision or course of action we take is based on our beliefs, ethics and values. Values direct our actions and offer stimuli for behavior. Every great achievement was the result of someone seeing the value of the results. Values provide the initiative for the diligent pursuit of a goal or vision. Attitudes and values are a type of window through which we see the world and seek fulfillment in our lives. If we are participating in a discussion, activity, or career that is in line with our attitudes, we will value the experience. Conversely, if we are in a conversation, activity or career that is against our dominant attitudes, we will be indifferent or even negative toward the experience, possibly causing stress. If our values are not being lived at work or home, then our lives feel empty and we eventually search for that fulfillment elsewhere.

Identifying the values of individuals, teams and organizations reduces conflicts, increases talent retention, improves efficiency and productivity, and energizes any group working together toward common goals. The benefits include reduced turnover, enormous cost savings and increased satisfaction of stakeholders.

The Workplace Motivators Report has direct application as a key part of a selection and development process. Values help to initiate one’s behavior, and are sometimes called the hidden motivators because they are not always readily observed. The profile’s narrative report illuminates these motivating factors and attitudes and allows people to understand the driving forces behind their decisions. For example, if you were to develop a bonus program, would you know what “perks” would actually motivate a person? If you’re giving money to a person with a low economic, high aesthetic value, it would be a mistake. You might better motivate him or her with the prospect of a newly designed office. Which would be most motivational: a cash bonus, a trip to a technological convention, a pass to a major classical art exhibition, to be given an assistant, or to be freed of the tasks of managing others? If you know what is most valued, you know how to motivate.

 

The Workplace Motivators profile measures the relative weight one places on the Theoretical, Utilitarian, Aesthetic, Social, Individualistic and Traditional.

Each value is ranked as being Strong, Situational, or Indifferent. The report then addresses each of the values and gives descriptors of actions and initiatives you might expect to see exhibited from the person based on the value. Data Dome can provide assessment of the following interests and values:

  • Theoretical

    The discovery of truth. The chief aim in life is to order and systematize knowledge for the sake of knowledge itself. It manifests as an appetite for learning.

  • Utilitarian/Economic

    Practical interest in money and what is useful. Time and resources are meted out with an eye to future economic gain. It manifests as utility, requiring a return on investment (time or money).

  • Aesthetic

    Interest in form, balance and harmony. Life is a series of episodic events, each enjoyed for its own sake. Has a heightened sense of beauty and inner vision (not necessarily talented in creative artistry). In corporate life, this values requires a harmonious work environment (not typically supported by “the cubicle”.

  • Social

    Inherent desire to help others. Seeks to eliminate hate and conflict. Other persons are ends in themselves (not means). Altruistic, kind, empathetic, and generous, even to their own detriment.

  • Individualistic/Political

    A desire to exert power and influence (most leaders). Others may be seen only through their own eyes and used as simply the means to an end.

  • Traditional/Regulatory

    Unity and order. Following a specific system for living, and the need to be regulated by that system. Seeks to comprehend the cosmos as a whole and to relate themselves to a global totality. May alternate between the negation and affirmation of life, or seek mystical oneness. Dislikes change and chaos. May also exhibit inflexibility with regard to their convictions.

Shared slides: Introduction to Workplace Motivators

Values interact with one another.

Most of our studies show that two or three values will be dominant and impel action. The very lack of importance of particular values can be significant in itself, since it shows the relative priority of the dominant motivations. They may show indifference and possible lack of respect, even hostility to others displaying a high value which is one their lowest.

Values can and do change over a period of time.

Some values eclipse others as needs and wants are satisfied. Values are also affected by interactions with family, friends, teachers, religious issues, geographic location, the media, leaders, and so on.The textual content of the the Workplace Motivators report is based on robust statistical analysis, real-time and virtual focus group input, and a database of tens of thousands of people. The personalized report includes:

  • An individualized section explaining the respondent’s rankings in:
    • General Characteristics Value to the Organization
    • Keys to Managing and Motivating
    • Training, Professional Development and Learning Insights
    • Continuous Quality Improvement
  • A Norms and Comparisons section (respondent vs. national mean)
  • A Values Graph and a Values Wheel (visual representations of results)
  • A Values Action Plan affirming strengths and encouraging growth and development
  • A Team-Building summary to facilitate sharing with team members

Much more detailed Motivators/Values descriptions are available through our workshops and seminars.

We offer seminars that combine an analysis of behavioral style with values. Feel free to contact us.
Sample Workplace Motivators Report

Please note: All sample profiles are available in PDF format. For assistance with PDF files, please refer to our File Help page.