Are you business-minded? Take a test!

What makes you tick? What drives you to action? What motivates you to go-go-go?

It is said that the population is divided into three in terms of their motivational needs.

Many people who are motivated by a need for affection or affiliation tend to make good teachers, counselors, doctors and nurses and other care givers.

Others are driven by a need for power. These tend to be the politicians, the government leaders, the corporate managers.

Finally, there are those who are driven by the need to achieve. These are the people who begin and prosper in business.

Would you like to measure your need to achieve? Complete each sentence by encircling the letter corresponding to the phrase which most closely reflects your opinion of yourself:

A Questionnaire on Achievement Motivation

 

1. Are you a self-starter?

a. I do things on my own. Nobody has to tell me to get going.

b. If someone gets me started, I keep going all right.

c. Easy does it. I don’t put myself into too much trouble unless I really have to.

 

2. How do you feel about other people?

a. I like people. I can get along with just about anybody.

b. I have many friends. I don’t need anyone else.

c. Most people irritate me.

 

3. Can you lead others?

a. I can get most people to go along when I start something.

b. I can give the orders if someone tells me what we should do.

c. I let someone else get things moving. Then I go along if I feel like it.

 

4. Can you take responsibility?

a. I like to take charge of things and see them through.

b. I’ll take over if I have to, but rather let someone else be responsible.

c. There’s always some over-achiever around wanting to show how smart he is. I let him.

 

5. How good an organizer are you?

a. I like to have a plan before I start. I’m usually the one who get things organized when the group wants to do something.

b. I do alright unless things get to be confused. Then I quit.

c. You get all set and then something comes along and presents too many problems. So I just take things as they come.

6. How good a worker are you?

a. I can keep going as long as I need to. I don’t mind working for something I want.

b. I’ll work hard for a while but when I’ve enough, that’s it.

c. I can’t see that hard work gets you anywhere.

7. Can you make decisions?

a. I can make up my mind in a hurry if I have to. It usually turns okay, too.

b. I can if I have plenty of time.

c. If I have to make up my mind fast, I think later that I should have decided the other way.

8. Can people trust what you say?

a. You bet they can. I don’t say things I don’t mean.

b. I try to be straightforward most of the time, but sometimes I just say what is easiest.

c. Why bother if the other fellow doesn’t know the difference?

9. Can you stick with it?

a. If I make up my mind to do something, I don’t let anything stop me.

b. I usually finish what I start — if it goes well.

c. I have too many interests, I get bored if I stick to one.

 

10. How energetic are you?

a. I never feel tired or run down.

b. I have enough energy for most things I want to do.

c. I run out of energy sooner than most of my friends seem to.

 

How to score:

How many “a’s” did you check? ______

How many “b’s” did you check? ______

How many “c’s” did you check? ______

 

If you checked mostly “a’s” you probably have what it takes to be in business. A’s represent achieving qualities: task orientation, leadership, sense of responsibility, planning skill, energy, sincerity, ability to face problems squarely, and determination.

 

If you checked mostly “b’s” you have difficulty running a business by yourself. B’s typify traits of followers who avoid responsibility, are easily discouraged when faced with obstacles, lack decision making skills and lack networking skills. To succeed in business, you need to find a partner who is strong where you are week.

 

If you checked mostly “c’s,” forget it. Even having a strong partner may not suffice to offset your weaknesses.