What Motivates People in the Workplace?

Recently, an employee who has invested over 10 years with an international oil company went through a reorganization.  She got mapped from a well liked, hands off, caring manager to an insecure, micro managing, plays favorite who does not "walk the talk".  Her energy went from 110% to nil.  She still works hard, because of her work ethics, and values.  However, working for this new manager is like looking forward to a flu shot everyday. 

Most of us know that employees do not quit because of the company, but mostly because of their direct managers.  Having an above average manager makes the difference for the employee.  Having an exceptional manager that is keen to his Emotional Intelligence (i.e. empathy, flexibility, stress tolerance) makes the difference to the company.  Because the manager can motivate the employees to go beyond their job responsibilities.  Below is a Dale Carnegie survey collected in 1990s that is still valid today, even with the various generations at work.

See below for the results between what managers and employees rate as important in the work place. Use this information to verify what motivates your staff and transform yourself from an average manager to an exceptional one.

Rank from 1 to 10 the following factors. (1 being Most and 10 being Least)

Factors	Carnegie Survey Collection Across America
	Survey results from managers.	Survey results from workers.
Appreciation for good work	8	1
Possibility for promotion	3	7
Feeling “in” on things	10	2
Job security	2	4
Help with personal problems	9	3
Good wages	1	5
Interesting work	5	6
Loyalty of management to workers	6	8
Tactful discipline	7	10
Good working conditions	4	9