Are you appealing to their creativity?

Wonder why some team members seem drawn to creative projects, while others focus solely on practical outcomes?

Have you noticed differences in how your team approaches design, personal growth, and work-life balance?

This variation stems from differing levels of aesthetic motivation among your team members!

When we hear aesthetic immediately we think beauty, and more precisely "outer" beauty. We think of a nice decor or a beautiful person.

Well, when it comes to motivations, aesthetic motivation is also about inner beauty, creativity and the need for self actualization.

Aesthetic motivation is the internal drive that pushes individuals to seek beauty, harmony, and personal growth. It's characterized by:

• A need to experience creativity in various forms
• An appreciation for balance
• A desire for self-realization and personal development

Let's be honest! We all have different needs, and the need for aesthetic experiences is no exception. Some people will constantly opportunities for self-reflection, while others may be more focused on practical, tangible results.

It doesn't make one better than the other!

We simply have different needs.

As a leader, it's crucial to recognize and consider the aesthetic motivation of each team member. So, let me ask you this: Do you know how they experience personal growth?

Levels of Aesthetic Motivation

Aesthetic motivation can be broadly categorized into three levels: high, medium, and low. Each level brings unique strengths and potential challenges to your team dynamics.

High Aesthetic Motivation

Your team members with high aesthetic motivation have a great need to continuously experience beauty and pursue personal growth. They understand the world through sensory and emotional experiences.

How can you tell?

• They often express themselves creatively
• Regularly engage in personal development activities
• Can be seen as highly intuitive and sensitive

They are what I call your "feeling" people. They need harmony, and opportunities for self-realization.

Questions:

• Who on your team always seems to be talking about new personal growth books?
• Have you noticed anyone in your team who seems frustrated when a projects lacks a deeper meaning?
• How do you keep them engaged?

Medium Aesthetic Motivation

Your team members with medium aesthetic motivation have a significant interest in beauty and personal growth, but it's often more focused and tied to specific areas or other motivations.

How can you tell?

• Appreciates harmony in every aspects of their lives
• Motivated to grow personally, but may not prioritize it above all else
• Balances intuition with pragmatism

Questions:

• Have you noticed individuals who actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions but seem less concerned about it in the day-to-day?
• Have you noticed some team members who excel when working on projects that align with their personal values, but struggle with tasks they find meaningless?
• Do you have team members who seem to bridge the gap between highly creative thinkers and practical problem-solvers?

Low Aesthetic Motivation

Team members with low aesthetic motivation prefer practical, tangible outcomes over subjective experiences or personal growth pursuits. They value concrete results and logical thinking more than abstract concepts or emotional experiences.

How can you tell?

• Preference for objective, fact-based decision making
• Focus on practical results rather than subjective experiences
• Less interested in personal development or creative expression

Questions:

• Do you have team members who often ask, "How does this impact our bottom line?" when presented with ideas for improving workplace aesthetics or implementing personal growth initiatives?
• Have you noticed individuals who seem to disengage during discussions about company culture or team building, but perk up when talking about concrete project milestones?
• How do you currently ensure that these practically-minded team members feel valued and engaged in a world that increasingly emphasizes creativity and personal growth?

Understanding the aesthetic motivation levels of your team members can be a powerful tool for effective leadership. However, managing these differences can be complex and challenging.

Recognizing the need for support in managing these differences is a sign of strong leadership. It shows your commitment to bringing out the best in each team member and creating a more productive, harmonious team environment.

Do you feel equipped to handle these varying levels of aesthetic motivation in your team?

Are there areas where you think additional guidance could help you become a more effective leader?

Remember, the goal is not to change your team members' fundamental motivations, but to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work, regardless of their aesthetic motivation level.

What aspects of aesthetic motivation do you find most challenging to manage in your team? How might addressing these challenges lead to new opportunities for innovation and growth in your organization?