Experiential Exercise: Self Competency
What Do You Want from Your Job?
We have listed the 16 most often mentioned characteristics that individuals want from their jobs in random order. Please rank them in order of both their importance to you and then in terms of satisfaction for you. Rank these characteristics 1 (most important), 2 (next most important), and so on, through 16 (least important). Use the same procedure to rank satisfaction. Then compare your answers with those of hundreds of managers working in a variety of jobs and industries provided at the end of this exercise.
Job Characteristics Importance Rank Satisfaction Rank
1. Working independently _____ _____
2. Chance for promotion _____ _____
3. Contact with people _____ _____
4. Flexible time _____ _____
5. Health insurance & other benefits _____ _____
6. Interesting work _____ _____
7. Work important to society _____ _____
8. Job security (no layoffs) _____ _____
9. Opportunity to learn _____ _____
10. High income _____ _____
11. Recognition from team members _____ _____
12. Vacation time _____ _____
13. Regular hours _____ _____
14. Working close to home _____ _____
15. Little job stress _____ _____
16. A job in which I can help others _____ _____
Questions
1. What things influenced your ranking? What motivational concepts did you rely on for making your decisions?
2. What aspects gave you the most job satisfaction? Why?