The Eight Motivators
| Motivator | You are energised by | You are drained by |
|---|---|---|
| Achievement | Targets and progress | Vague goals |
| Autonomy | Freedom to decide how | Micromanagement |
| Purpose | Meaningful impact | Pointless tasks |
| Recognition | Praise and visibility | Being overlooked |
| Security | Stability | Constant uncertainty |
| Financial reward | Pay and bonuses | Underpayment |
| Learning | New skills | Repetition |
| Belonging | Great colleagues | Isolation |
How It Is Scored
You rate 24 statements, three per motivator. Each motivator is scored from 0% to 100%, and your top three describe what drives you most.
The Research Behind Motivation At Work
- Self-determination theory. Psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan found that people thrive when three needs are met: autonomy, competence (linked to achievement and learning) and relatedness (belonging). Motivation that comes from interest and values tends to be more lasting than motivation driven by rewards or pressure.
- Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Frederick Herzberg proposed in 1959 that “hygiene factors”, such as pay and security, prevent dissatisfaction, while “motivators”, such as achievement and recognition, create satisfaction.
- Money matters, up to a point. Research suggests pay strongly affects job choice and dissatisfaction, but beyond a fair level, meaning and autonomy often matter more for engagement.
Using Your Results
- Share your top three with your manager in a one-to-one.
- Job hunting? Ask interviewers questions that test your motivators, such as “How are decisions made?” for autonomy.
- Feeling stuck? Your lowest-satisfied motivator often explains why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to be motivated by money?
No. Pay is a legitimate motivator. Many people combine it with others like security or achievement.
Do motivators change?
Yes. Security often matters more during family-building years; learning matters more early in a career.
How is this different from the career anchors test?
Career anchors describe your long-term career identity. This test focuses on what energises you day to day. Try the career anchors test too.
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