What Are Your "Energizers" at Work?

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Every job has frustrations – no question about that! But problems become bearable when they are balanced by activities that excite, motivate, or energize us. Mentally put your work on a balance scale, imagining all the frustrations piled up on one side. Now think of the “energizers” that help to offset those aggravations.

Look at the list below. Check the things that motivate you. Are you getting enough of them? Which ones don’t matter to you? Can you find any patterns to the things that turn you on or turn you off?

Being given difficult assignments
Social activities with co-workers
Travel opportunities
Occasional lunches with your manager
Having time to work alone and concentrate
Clear expectations from your manager
Having time to plan your work
Learning more about the business
Receiving an award
Talking about work with your manager
Serving on committees
Not serving on committees
Having good work publicly recognized
Working jointly on projects with others
Being able to work independently
Having authority to make decisions
Having variety in your work
Belonging to work-related organizations
Sharing ideas and opinions with management
Taking on new assignments
Making the workplace attractive and comfortable

Having contact with customers
Recognition for loyal service
Having your manager drop by to chat
Recognition for your accomplishments
Ability to take time off
Opportunities to be creative
Going to lunch with co-workers
Participating in community service activities
Making speeches or presentations
Contact with upper management
Solving challenging problems
Organizing department parties and events
Planning a new project
Doing research on a subject or project
Having clearly-stated goals
Helping to train new employees
Having close relationships with co-workers
Having the freedom to make changes
Contact with people from other departments
Being given a leadership role
Looking for ways to increase efficiency

If the problems in your job are outweighing the motivators, then it’s time for a change. You either need to improve your current situation or find a better one.

Managers: Use this list to think about motivating your employees. The old saying “different strokes for different folks” is very true. Not everyone is turned on by the things that inspire you, so consider which “energizers” might appeal to each person who reports to you. In fact, give them the list and ask them!