Employee types in leadership. Is it equally important for a leader to surround themselves with the right people at work as it is to have a sense of duty? Personally, I believe that the same methods of motivating employees do not work in every case – people are different after all. Here are 7 types of employees described by James Sale, an expert in management and motivation in the workplace:
Queen
Needs recognition, respect, and the esteem of colleagues. Likes clarity, hierarchy, works towards goals. She is particularly motivated by material rewards and status. Employers should realize that if they want to appreciate her properly, they should ensure appropriate publicity. A handshake from the CEO might not be enough.
Philosopher
Puts things clearly, values predictability, and a sense of security, and his workplace should be well-organized. Motivation: Stabilization, specifying duties, regular contact, and clear communication. It might seem absorbing, but such an employee repays with loyalty and well-performed duties.
Friend
Values a sense of belonging to the company more than duties, likes the connection with other coworkers, and his ideal company should embody specific ideals, values. An idealist who senses the relationships in the group. Motivator: Engaging in new tasks, taking his opinions into account. Team-building meetings, business trips, he likes to be asked: “What do you think about this?”
President
Often informal and not necessarily by appointment. Desires power, influence, and a sense of agency. A natural leader. Motivator: giving an appropriate title, a sense of making decisions. It’s good to organize a mentor for him, someone he would trust a bit more deeply. The role of the president is extremely costly – such employees may think they are irreplaceable. And that risks burnout.
Expert
Needs to know, specialize, further educate. Likes tasks and duties that require high skills and broadening knowledge. Good work is work that allows for development, to learn something. Motivator: Frequent training, surrounding with highly qualified people so he can continuously learn more from them. Besides, experts like to see themselves in the role of mentors for other employees – to train, advise, instruct. Let’s give him room for such activity.
Creator
Values inventiveness, needs to prove himself in this area. He is creative, likes changes, originality. And he quickly gets bored. Duties should be a kind of challenge for him. Motivator: Giving creative tasks, a varied work schedule free of routine work.
Seeker
Employee types in leadership. Must have a purpose. Searches, checks, researches, needs to give his work some meaning (e.g., social, societal). Cares for others. And he expects the same in return. Motivating for him will be recognition of his merits, praises, sincere feedback. He views his work almost like a mission.
And you? Do you have all seven?
Agata Nowak is a distinguished figure in the world of business and lean management. As the founder of SoulCare and the CEO of Leanovo Academy, she has exemplified her commitment to excellence and innovative leadership. Her tenure as the Head of the Standardization Department at CCC Group showcases her prowess in leadership and her dedication to implementing lean strategy management.
