Temperament at Core of Personality

A person's temperament is at the core of his or her personality -- and understanding that temperament can help motivate employees to peak efficiency. Here are four distinct temperaments identified by psychologists, with suggestions on motivating each kind:

1. Preservers. These employees are driven by responsibility, obligation, and duty. They impose order in their lives, and will typically carry out the organizations policies and projects single-mindedly. Rewards: Recognize preservers for adherence to rules and policies, and for following through on projects. Reward them for their loyalty and dedication to the organization.
2. Strategists. These employees are visionaries. Typically, they are creative and imaginative, and are often the catalyst for change at the company. They will question day-to-day chores that are not in line with the overall mission and vision. Rewards: Strategists consider being able to work on their own with little supervision a reward. They also appreciate the chance to learn -- whether it is by assigning them a challenging new project, signing them up for additional training, or helping them pay for classes outside of work.
3. Mavericks. These employees are doers. They respond will to crises and are pragmatic. They seek constant challenges, preferring to take risks rather than cultivate security. Rewards: Mavericks appreciate the opportunity to negotiate different reward systems. Set nearly impossible goals for Mavericks, with high rewards and sit back and watch them work!
4. Energizers. These employees are big picture people. They are concerned with ideas rather than tasks, and are not big fans of strict policies and procedures. They are idealistic, and often enthusiastically champion new causes. They are concerned with people and relationship issues. Rewards: Energizers thrive on personal recognition for their unique contributions. A personal note from a senior manager for a job well done goes a long way with these employees.

--- Adapted from HRM Magazine