A Groundbreaking Motivation Assessment - Learning About and Tapping Into Your “Why”

I first learned of Motivation Mapping assessments on Linked In as a life coach that I follow had the certification for this tool on her profile. As a psychology professor, I was intrigued with this tool, and I felt compelled to learn more; I have always been fascinated by what makes people “tick” or what their “why” is. After all, this is what makes us get out of bed in the morning, right? Some argue that the Myers Briggs is a great tool, but it illustrates more about personality information. In contrast, Motivational Maps provides new, and refreshing insights into people’s unique motivations. In fact, when I completed my personal motivational assessment, I found it to be so accurate, and user friendly. After completing the straight-forward questionnaire, I received my customized report, which helped me to gain a significant amount of awareness and increased clarity around my own “Why”. The tool also helped me to set some important short & long-term goals for myself. I was not surprised by my experience as Motivational Map research reported map users indicated a 95% accuracy rate, and they gave the assessment a 97% usefulness rating. Based on my personal positive experience with the tool and the data, I decided to pursue specialized training around offering the map and related coaching services to my clients. The following paragraphs provide an introduction to the assessment and the different types of motivation that may be dominate or lacking in people’s lives and map reports.

Motivational Maps were developed by James Sale, former teacher and author of approximately 20 books. In fact, Sales developed this tool based on significant research around motivation, including Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the Enneagram, (a personality profiler) and Edgar Schein’s Career Anchors (a tool for identifying career paths). The motivational map tool is not a personality test, but instead it assesses your motivation style. The map assessment helps to see what your “why” or main motivators are, and where your motivational energy is growing and /or lacking. I highly recommend the assessment as it provides thorough insights into your personal motivational profile.

The map assesses 9 areas of motivation with 3 overarching clusters, including relationships, growth, and achievement. In the following paragraphs, I will provide a brief introduction to the 9 motivators that fall under these 3 clusters.

People who score high in some or all of the relationship areas may be motivated by stability, friendships, belonging etc. The 3 areas that fall under this cluster of motivation are as follows. The defender has motivation needs based on a desire for loyalty, and the need for security and continuity in their job. Then there is the friend, who has the need for belonging and satisfying relationships. Finally, the star is motivated by recognition and social regard.

Individuals that have some high areas of motivation in the achievement cluster tend to be present focused and seek satisfaction from work. Under this category, we see the director, who needs power and to have influence over others. The next under this cluster is the builder, who is motivated by money and a high standard of living. Finally, the last in this category is the expert, who craves learning opportunities and developing and sharing expertise.

People that fall in all or some of the growth cluster area want to maximize their full potential and they tend to be future orientated. The following 3 types fall under this cluster of motivation. First there is the creator, who seeks innovation and originality. Then there is the spirit, who is motivated by autonomy and working independently. Finally, the searcher in this category needs to do meaningful work and wants to make a difference.

Lack of motivation is something I often see in clients because they are often not clear on their unique “Why” and therefore, they are unsure about the “how”.

Completing the assessment will help you to see where you fall in the previously mentioned categories. Consider how valuable the motivation map assessment could be for you in identifying your individual motivational strengths and challenges. Such information will help you further understand your specific needs and how to create meaningful concrete goals based on those needs. All in all, application of insights from the tool can ultimately help optimize your motivation, engagement and performance, both professionally and personally.

Please feel free to contact me regarding completing the motivational map assessment, and related coaching services and questions at heather@cosiminicoaching.com.

Sources:
James Sale Motivational Mapping, LTD;