Six Employee Archetypes

If you want to hire the right kind of employees and keep them motivated, an extensive new study from Bain may prove helpful. The project’s authors spent a year surveying 20,000 workers in 10 countries (the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Nigeria) as well as conducting in-depth interviews with more than 100 employees.
 
As recounted in Inc., the study concluded that there are six work-orientation archetypes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Problems can arise when employers are seeking one type but hire another. The archetypes are:
 

1. Operators:  They are team-minded and often view colleagues as friends, but they “work to live” rather than “live to work.” They prefer predictability and do not seek to stand out.
2. Givers:  They find meaning in work that directly improves the lives of others.  Their empathetic nature typically translates into a team spirit and deep personal relationships at work. But they are cautious and relatively hesitant to jump on new opportunities as they arise.
3. Artisans:  They seek out work that fascinates them and are motivated by the pursuit of mastery. They enjoy being valued for expertise, and desire a high degree of autonomy.
4. Explorers:  They value experiences and freedom, and desire flexibility along with autonomy. They typically don't rely on their job for a sense of identity, often exploring multiple occupations during their lifetime.
5. Strivers: Strivers have a strong desire for professional success, and value status and compensation. They are forward planners who can be relatively risk-averse, as they opt for well-trodden paths to success. They can be competitive and transactional.
6. Pioneers:  These entrepreneurial types are the most risk-tolerant and forward thinking of all. They have strong views and will do almost anything to achieve their vision. They identify profoundly with their work.

 
Do you recognize yourself, or any of your employees, in any of these archetypes? Does your organization skew toward one type in particular or is there a balance? To join the conversation, click "comments" above (just below the picture).  We'd really like to hear your feedback and experiences!

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