From the author of Die Empty and The Accidental Creative, a new framework for understanding what motivates people and why.
What drives us to unleash our best work? And how do we tap into that drive to get superior results with our coworkers, direct reports, and clients? As Todd Henry reveals in this illuminating book, drawing on interviews with over 100,000 working professionals, the answer is no one size fits all. Some people are energized by a race against the clock, while others put in extra effort only when they feel part of a team. For still others, nothing is as motivating as the possibility of public recognition. Henry shows, in fact, that there are six unique motivational archetypes - each with its own tells and needs.
For instance: The Visionary strives to make her mark on the world by building an ideal future, even when others may not see as far ahead. The Achiever relishes a finished product and must conquer whatever obstacle comes his way, no matter how difficult or time-consuming. The Team Player values being part of a group and will go to great lengths to achieve unity and enhance collaboration. The Learner is obsessed with mastering new skills and showing off what she knows - which is often a lot. The Optimizer thrives when systems and processes are running smoothly and finds great satisfaction when things are done the 'right way.' The Key Contributor shines at the center of the action, especially when others can recognize the value of his work.
This book teaches us to decode our motivational type so we can structure projects, have conversations, make decisions, and even choose career paths to amp up engagement and achieve fulfillment. Once we know how to activate our inner drivers, we can transform the work we do into the work we love.