What’s Your Motivation Pattern?

We are motivated to meet our core psychological needs to feel competent, have some freedom, belong to a group, and fulfil our potential. While we share all these needs, usually one of them has more importance and significance for each of us in our lives.

This quiz will help you decide which of the four core motivators fits you best. Each motivator is linked to specific patterns of behaviour and helps explain why you do what you do!

The quiz is in three parts. Start with Part 1. Depending on your answers to Part 1, you will either go on to Part 2A or to Part 2B.

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What’s Your Motivation Pattern?

My favourite tasks Are practical and produce tangible results Involve imagination and innovation to solve the problem

I prefer other people to see me as Realistic and practical Imaginative and creative

After I’ve watched a film, I am more likely to remember The action - what happened The theme - what it was about

When I make a suggestion, I tend to Start with the details to ensure clarity Give an overview first, then maybe add details

I tend to be more interested in Facts and details in the present, or remembered from the past Ideas and possibilities

When I am in conversation, I tend to Talk in factual terms and stick to the topic at hand Use metaphors or make connections that expand the topic

When I look at a painting I tend to Notice the details – people, objects, colours, layout Wonder what it means or what the artist intended

When I’m with friends, I prefer to Talk about everyday reality – home, work, news – “what is” Talk about what everyday reality means – patterns, ideas and the future – “what might be”

When I’m learning something new I prefer to learn something That’s practical and useful right now That expands my mind or captures my imagination

I most like to be appreciated for My practical outputs My helpful ideas and insights

When my boss asks for an update on my work, I like to give Detailed and factual information on what I am doing A broad overview about how my work is going

When observing something or someone it’s natural for me to Notice all the details of what is there in the moment Read between the lines and see hidden patterns and meanings

I am more likely to be described by others as Being “down to earth” Having my “head in the clouds”

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Quiz 2A

What's Your Motivation Pattern? Part 2A

PART 2A This part of the quiz is for people who came out with more A answers in Part 1. For each question, tick the option (a or b) that you believe best describes your usual approach – if you really can’t decide, leave it blank. Think about how you are when you are being “yourself”, probably at home, rather than how you might be forced to be by circumstances or by your work.

When a decision is needed, I prefer it when things are completely settled I sometimes keep it open so I can respond to what happens

If something comes up unexpectedly at work which needs my attention I prefer to finish what I had already intended to do first I prefer to take a look at the new issue straight away

After I’ve made a decision, if new information comes in I feel irritated at having to re-open the decision I feel comfortable re-visiting the decision

When planning a day out I like to know exactly what we are going to do I like to have a general idea which we can adapt as we go along

When a change is proposed, my first reaction is often If it’s not broken, don’t fix it What can I do to get started on it

When I have a new project at work I feel tense until I can make a start on it I feel excited before making a start on it

I use to-do lists as a way of Keeping track of what I must do Remembering what I might do

I meet my deadlines by Starting early and always working steadily towards the deadline Perhaps starting early and always relying on a burst of energy as the deadline approaches

When an important decision has to be made I like to get the decision made as soon as possible I often feel pressured to make it sooner than it needs to be made

When I have a plan I stick to the plan and only change it if absolutely necessary I am happy to alter the plan if new information or a better idea comes up

At weekends, I can Relax after I have finished the jobs I need to do Relax and enjoy myself even when there are jobs to do

Before starting something new, I prefer to Work out a plan with specific steps and deadlines Start on the task and let the plan emerge

When I am in a difficult situation, I tend to firstly Think back to a similar situation I experienced previously See options for dealing with it in the moment

Quiz 2B

What's Your Motivation Pattern? Part 2B

PART 2B This part of the quiz is for people who came out with more B answers in Part 1. For each question, tick the option (a or b) that you believe best describes your usual approach – if you really can’t decide, leave it blank. Think about how you are when you are being “yourself”, probably at home, rather than how you might be forced to be by circumstances or by your work.

When I make a decision, I like to first Identify the relevant factors, considering each as objectively as possible Consider how it will impact each of the people or groups involved

I most like to receive positive feedback for Situations where I’m confident in the quality of the work I have produced The personal effort and emotional commitment I have put in

When debating ideas with others, it’s important to Get to the truth, even at the cost of harmony Have harmony even at the cost of the whole truth

When I have a decision to make, I first of all carefully consider What objective principles and criteria I will apply How other people will be affected

I most value my ability to be Objective under pressure Empathetic under pressure

When I review other people’s work, it comes naturally to me to Critique and suggest improvements Appreciate and give praise

When I discuss ideas with others I ask questions to first Understand what they think Find out how they are feeling

I help friends to solve their problems by Helping them define their problem and then find solutions Showing sympathy and concern and checking how they feel

I tend to prioritise Achieving my goals while still not forgetting connecting with others Connecting with others while still not forgetting achieving my goals

When someone criticises my ideas I tend not to take it personally My feelings are easily hurt

All things being equal, I prefer a tutor who Is expert and confident I feel a good bond with

When a friend is upset about something, I understand how they must be feeling I share their feelings of upset

When a change is proposed I like to Understand the reasons why Know how it will affect people

View Your Results

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AA - Stabiliser Overview

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AB - Improviser Overview

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BA - Theorist Overview

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BB - Catalyst Overview

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