There are many times in your
life that you may waken up and ponder the reason
to carry-on in the same job. Employers
and candidates all face the vexing
question on why one job is better than another,
and even more importantly, why would you jump from
one job to another.
It could be time to re-examine
what's important to you professionally - aside
from the obvious need to earn a living - and to
quit trying to live up to someone else's standards
for achievement. Whether you're out interviewing
and are asked to articulate your ideals, or are
getting close to a decision about an opportunity
that's currently on the table, identifying core
motivators in basic, simplistic terms can be
useful. The same set of criteria can also help you
better understand co-workers and job
candidates.
In no particular order, here are
the primary motivating elements I've observed over
years of interviewing:
Money: Total
compensation, including cash and non-cash items.
It's not so much what the money buys, usually, as
what the money means - psychologically and
socially. If you put this at the top of your list,
ask yourself if it's as big a factor as you think.
Will you really bolt for an extra few
dollars?
Status: In short,
this where you stand on the org chart or totem
pole. How many people do you have to bow down to
versus how many kneel at your feet? Executives
often have great difficulty admitting, even to
themselves, just how important this is to them.
Prestige: What
level of eminence, reputation and public esteem
does your company enjoy? For example, would you
rather be a SVP at Wal-Mart or a VP at Nordstrom?
Everything else being equal, that is.
Culture: This is
about people, camaraderie, shared values and
belonging. Are you proud and happy to be a member
of this group? Would you want to spend, say,
Thanksgiving with them?
Autonomy: To what
extent do you define the goals and objectives for
your function? Is Big Brother watching or have you
been given the self-determination to succeed on
your own lights?
Wow Factor: This
could be anything from the coolest technology in
the world to being located in the same town as
your new romantic interest. In other words, any
consideration that overrides the factors mentioned
above. Do you want to bring your boss coffee and
doughnuts? No? What if your boss is Steven
Spielberg? You get it now.
Every month Gemini compile the most
up-to-date and accurate salary trend statistics on
the local Hong Kong and regional job
market. 
