We often ask our own (assessment/coaching/training) candidates what energizes them. What gets them out of bed? What motivates them to go to work every day? We also ask this question to employers to make them aware; after all, if you know where the energy boosters and drains are for your people and what comes easily to them, it greatly helps in smartly distributing tasks.
A completely different question you can ask is: do you know when your people are under pressure? When do they experience work pressure or come close to it? Another perspective that provides just as much insight into someone's pitfalls and qualities. For example, someone who verbally attacks others, exhibits recalcitrant behavior, and becomes emotional may not have received enough recognition and attention, or may feel they have too little influence on the course of events and are unable to get others moving. Yet, that's what that person thrives on and is good at. If you know that's important to someone, you also know that it can be beneficial to involve them or give them a pat on the back in time. And this is just a small example of someone who clearly makes themselves heard.
Approximately half of the employees resort to attacking or pushing through when they are under pressure. They display intense emotions, confront others, stand their ground, become impatient, manipulate others, etc. Clearly noticeable behavior. But what about the other half? They turn inward. For example, they may avoid confrontation, keep their feelings to themselves, escape into distractions, resign themselves, and accept the situation. They are the ones who bottle things up. What does an employer notice about this? Nothing. Until it's too late and the bomb explodes and someone has already found another position, to give just one example.
That's why it's so important to understand your people. Not only to let their qualities and talents shine through, but also to recognize in time when the tension is building for them and to prevent people from dropping out.
Want to learn more about the insights you can gain with the online assessments from Online Assessment Partner? Visit the website or contact us at 073-5231278 or info@onlineassessmentpartner.nl.