Employers always expect their employees to meet the goals of their companies because the employees are being paid to perform tasks that should make that happen. If an employee fails to meet the objectives of the assigned tasks, the employer has the right to terminate. If an employee succeeds in meeting objectives the employer may reward with a raise, bonus, or a promotion.

Everyone who works for someone is there for a reason. The three major ones are for the money, the experience, or for the job itself because it is what the person has always wanted to do. We’ll call the first one a survivor, the second a stepper, and the third a goalie.

The survivor is one who seeks employment because it pays the bills and/or allows a certain lifestyle, so money is the only motivator. Depending on the person’s work ethic, s/he will either do the bare minimum to get that paycheck or find ways to get more (which could include embezzlement). When a good leader is aware of this, s/he should find tasks that suit this person’s objectives and keep the person away from any fiscal responsibility. This type of employee may also be a slacker or someone who likes others to do the work for them and then take the credit. A good leader may place them in a solitary position or never let them lead a project or team.

The stepper is always looking to get ahead either in the company or elsewhere and uses every available resource to do so. This type of employee can be diligent in tasks and even exceed expectations, but only for personal gain. There is nothing illegal or wrong about being a go-getter, so promotions should be considered. And agreements should be in place that prevent employees from using the company’s name or resources outside the company’s scope, retaining company clients if severing the relationship, using intellectual property for a personal business, or providing a new employer with such intellectual property.

The goalie is the most company-oriented employee because s/he chose the profession or occupation for its own sake. If the company can meet other requirements such as a decent salary and good benefits, that employee will give the best productivity and/or results, and will likely retire from the company.

Good leaders recognize that matching the desires and abilities of each employee can benefit everyone.