What engages you?

Which of the following statements do you identify with most closely? In each row, check the box orboxes that most closely match your preferences or feelings about work. Once you’ve completed theassessment, total the number of times you’ve selected the statements in each column. Match thecolumn(s) with the highest score to the lures in table 5-2.

A B C D E F

I like . . . the task itself . . . the approach . . . my team col- . . . how to do the . . . how to do the . . . the task is easy. performing is ambiguous and for doing the task lectively possesses task is unknown task well is clear tasks I personally need well has been the skills and knowl- and open-ended, and easy to learn.when . . . to figure out both determined by edge to perform requiring that we

what it might others and taught the task, although pioneer new become and to me. I may know only approaches.how to do it. � � one piece. � � � �

I prefer work . . . allow me . . . are well defined . . . include regular . . . are highly . . . allow me to . . . are short term.arrangements complete indi- and traditional hours that align flexible in both shift my schedule that . . . vidual latitude. (9 to 5). the schedules of time and place on a daily basis

all team members and provide time as needed to and promote to pursue external balance my other

� � face time. � adventures. � responsibilities. � �

I like work . . . is extremely . . . is challenging, . . . builds on my . . . is extremely . . . is straight- . . . doesn’t that . . . stimulating, requir- but within my cur- area of expertise challenging and forward and has involve a lot of

ing creativity and rent capabilities and allows me to varied and never well-defined rou- dumb questionsproviding oppor- based on the train- contribute my involves doing the tines that I can plug from customers tunity to learn ing I’ve received. competence for same thing twice. in and out of, with or colleagues.and grow. collective good. others picking up

� � � � where needed � �

I get really . . . opportunities . . . being on a . . . having fun with . . . interacting . . . dreaming of . . . a paycheck with psyched by . . . to build or create steady road to my colleagues— with really bright how I’ll plunge some overtime or a

something with success, with working hard people and recog- into work later in bonus payment.lasting value. training and together and nized thought life, when my

development celebrating. leaders. current external along the way. responsibilities

� � � � are lessened. � �

(continued)

What engages you? (continued)

Which of the following statements do you identify with most closely?

A B C D E F

In my life, . . . is my oppor- . . . is my route to . . . is a major . . . is an adrena- . . . is less impor- . . . honestly, work . . . tunity to have a upward mobility source of pride, line rush, one of tant to me at the a hassle.

lasting impact on and economic based on our win- multiple opportu- moment than my someone or security. ning track record nities for adven- other responsibil-something. and my contribu- ture and thrills. ities and interests.

tions to the team’s � � success. � � � �

It is important . . . helps me line . . . is clear and up . . . knows how to . . . lets me do . . . understands . . . is compe-to me to have up the resources I front with expec- create a strong new things based that life is compli- tent, fair, and a manager need for my work, tations, ties my team, resolves on my interests, cated for me now, pays me for who . . . leaves me alone compensation to any interpersonal treats me like an is empathic and the work I do.

to do it, keeps the fair goals, respects conflicts quickly individual, gets rid willing to help me bureaucrats away, my tenure, and and competently, of incompetent arrange a flexible and “promotes” follows through and acts as a colleagues, and schedule, but sees my work when on promises. player/coach to knows how to my longer-term it’s complete. � � get the job done � have fun. � potential. � �

It is important . . . does work . . . is financially . . . is known for . . . is “hot” and . . . values its em- . . . pays well to me to that creates things stable and secure. its excellence carries the possi- ployees and has and isn’t full work for an of lasting value or and wins in the bility of significant a caring employee of jerks.organization that have social marketplace. financial upside. value proposition.that . . . significance. � � � � � �

(continued)

What engages you? (continued)

Which of the following statements do you identify with most closely?

A B C D E F

One of the . . . whether it . . . the quality of . . . the extent to . . . the opportunity . . . the degree to . . . whether the things I would would provide me the long-term ca- which my area of for personal finan- which it would be hiring process consider about with a platform for reer development competence would cial upside through possible to estab- is quick and a possible self-realization and options—whether contribute to the bonus and stock. lish highly flexible easy, with new employer the freedom to be they represent a organization’s arrangements, in- few required is . . . entrepreneurial. steady, predictable success. cluding, preferably, qualifications.

� path to success. � � � self-scheduling. � �

A deal breaker . . . I wouldn’t be . . . the compen- . . . the environ- . . . the deal did . . . the deal did not . . . it did not for me in empowered to do sation philosophy ment did not pro- not offer the possi- include generous offer me a selecting a job the best work pos- didn’t seem fair, mote collaboration bility of significant vacation policies higher wage would be sible in the way including retire- and teamwork. upside compen- and cafeteria-style than the com-if . . . I think it needs to ment benefits you sation. benefits so I could pany down the

be done. can count on. get the type of sup- street.� � � � port I most need. � �

I feel I am . . . I am being true . . . I am making . . . my team wins . . . I am always . . . my activities . . . the boss successful to myself, expres- steady progress and I have made learning and outside work singles me out in my work sing myself by up the career a contribution growing through don’t suffer, be- for a spot if . . . doing something ladder and saving to our shared exciting new cause they are bonus because

I feel is of value. for retirement. success. assignments. currently far more of something I important than did today.

� � � � this job. � �

Total number of responses selected in column ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

Where do most of your answers fall? Find the matching columnletter to read about your life’s lures and how to use them toevaluate your professional possibilities.

A. Expressive legacy: Work is about creating something of lasting value. Individuals who

identify closely with this archetype tend to be entrepreneurial; they consider themselves

leaders and love to assume responsibility.

B. Secure progress: Work is about predictable upward mobility—a secure path to

success. These individuals often seek upward mobility, pride themselves on their

reliability, place high value on their family, and have long tenures with one employer.

C. Individual expertise and team victory: Work is an opportunity to contribute, to be

a valuable part of a winning team. These individuals enjoy a cooperative atmosphere;

they care deeply about contributing to the organization’s success, express less need for

flexible work arrangements, and are loyal and reliable.

D. Risk with reward: Work is an opportunity for challenge, change, learning, and,

maybe, wealth. These individuals seek lives filled with change and adventure; they

thrive on exciting work, enjoy assuming positions of responsibility, and are likely to

want flexible workplaces and schedules.

E. Flexible support: Work is a livelihood but not currently a priority. These individuals

see work as a source of livelihood but not currently as a primary focus in their lives.

They are trying to create balance in their lives; they value environments that are

congenial and fun.

F. Limited obligations: Work’s value is largely its near-term economic gain. These

individ uals pre fer work that makes minimal demands on their time. They place high

value on traditional compensation and benefits packages.

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