Motivation is the driving force behind everything we do. It is what makes us get out of bed in the morning, pursue our goals, and overcome obstacles. When recruiting top talent, understanding the intrinsic motivations of each person you interface with is critical in relating to their base intrinsic motivational needs.  

Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive that comes from within ourselves to pursue a task or activity for its own sake, rather than for external rewards or incentives. It is the desire to engage in an activity because it is enjoyable, interesting, or fulfilling in and of itself. Intrinsic motivation is a powerful force that can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall well-being.  Although workers are extrinsically motivated by salary, bonus, benefits, paid time off and more, the daily motivation to do the work at hand must be intrinsically motivated for continuous high performance.  

There are several key benefits to developing and nurturing intrinsic motivation. First and foremost, when we are intrinsically motivated, we are more likely to engage in activities that align with our values and interests. This can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in our lives. In addition, when we are intrinsically motivated, we are more likely to approach tasks with a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity, which can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Another important benefit of intrinsic motivation is that it can lead to a sense of mastery and achievement. When we pursue a task or activity because we find it personally fulfilling, we are more likely to put in the effort needed to excel at it. As a result, we can experience a sense of pride and accomplishment when we achieve our goals.

Recruiters play a critical role in helping organizations find the right talent to achieve their goals. However, simply finding candidates with the right skills and qualifications is not always enough. To truly build a high-performing team, it is important to understand the intrinsic motivations of candidates and how they align with the organization’s culture and values. Here are some of the key benefits of a recruiter who understands intrinsic motivations:

• Improved Candidate Fit: When recruiters understand the intrinsic motivations of candidates, they are better able to match them with roles that align with their interests, values, and goals. This leads to better candidate fit, which in turn leads to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.
• Better Retention: Candidates who are intrinsically motivated to do their work are more likely to stay with an organization for a longer period of time. When recruiters understand the intrinsic motivations of candidates and match them with roles that align with their interests, they are more likely to find candidates who will be satisfied with their work and stay with the organization for the long term.
• Increased Productivity: When employees are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. A recruiter who understands the intrinsic motivations of candidates can help to identify candidates who are likely to be highly motivated and productive in their roles, leading to better overall performance and results for the organization.
• Enhanced Team Dynamics: Intrinsic motivation is closely linked to teamwork and collaboration. When recruiters understand the intrinsic motivations of candidates and match them with roles that align with their interests, they can help to build teams that are not only highly skilled, but also cohesive and collaborative. This can lead to better communication, problem-solving, and overall team performance.
• Improved Employer Branding: Finally, a recruiter who understands the intrinsic motivations of candidates can help to build a positive employer brand. When candidates feel that an organization is genuinely interested in their goals and values, they are more likely to view the organization as a desirable place to work. This can lead to increased interest in job opportunities and a stronger talent pipeline for the organization.

Intrinsic motivation is a powerful force that can help us to achieve our goals, find meaning and fulfillment in our lives, and cultivate a sense of mastery and achievement. By taking the time to reflect on our values and interests, setting meaningful goals, fostering autonomy and independence, and encouraging creativity and experimentation, we can cultivate intrinsic motivation in ourselves and others, and unlock our full potential.  Understanding the intrinsic motivations of candidates is a critical skill for recruiters who want to build high-performing teams and enhance their organization’s success. By matching candidates with roles that align with their interests, values, and goals, recruiters can improve candidate fit, increase productivity, enhance team dynamics, and improve overall employer branding.