Looking for a new way to understand yourself and others? Look to the 12 Driving Forces® assessment. This tool reveals real meaning in work, uncovers areas of opportunity, and drives meaningful personal and professional development.
Here’s everything you need to know about this motivation assessment, from who created it to how it helps in the workplace and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The 12 Driving Forces assessment measures why people do what they do, revealing core motivations behind behavior.
- It is built on six dimensions—Knowledge, Utility, Surroundings, Others, Power, and Methodologies—each with two opposing drivers.
- The assessment helps individuals improve self-awareness, decision-making, and personal development.
- Organizations use it to enhance hiring, employee engagement, team alignment, and performance.
- When combined with tools like DISC, this assessment provides a complete view of both behavior (how) and motivation (why).
Here Is Everything You Need to Know About 12 Driving Forces
From the benefits of the assessment to the ways individuals, teams, and organizations can benefit from its insights.
What Is the 12 Driving Forces Assessment?
The 12 Driving Forces assessment measures why a person does what they do. It uncovers the motivation and intensity behind behaviors using six core dimensions.
Those keywords are…
Knowledge
Utility
Surroundings
Others
Power
Methodologies
Each dimension is divided into two opposing drivers, forming a continuum of motivation. Together, these create a person’s unique Driving Forces profile.
What Exactly Are Those 12 Driving Forces?
Knowledge
Instinctive/Intellectual
People with an Instinctive driver value experience, intuition, and practical knowledge.
People with an Intellectual driver are driven to learn, research, and gain knowledge.
Utility
Selfless/Resourceful
- People with a Selfless driver are willing to give time and share resources freely to complete tasks.
- People with a Resourceful driver are focused on efficiency and return on investment (ROI).
Surroundings
Objective/Harmonious
- People with an Objective driver are focused on functionality and measurable outcomes.
- People with a Harmonious driver are driven by balance, experience, and environment.
Others
Intentional/Altruistic
- People with an Intentional driver are motivated to help others with a specific purpose or goal.
- People with an Altruistic driver are driven to help others unconditionally.
Power
Collaborative/Commanding
- People with a Collaborative driver are motivated to support team success and shared goals.
- People with a Commanding driver are driven by control, influence, and personal achievement.
Methodologies
Receptive/Structured
- People with a Receptive driver are motivated to challenge the status quo and explore new approaches.
- People with a Structured driver are driven by systems, traditions, and proven methods.
Who Created the 12 Driving Forces?
The 12 Driving Forces assessment was created by TTI, based on the original work of Eduard Spranger, a German philosopher and psychologist.
This assessment reveals the “why” behind behavior, complementing tools like DISC, which measure how people behave.
How Can You Use the 12 Driving Forces Right Now?
The 12 Driving Forces assessment reveals what motivates action, influences decision-making, and drives engagement.
Personal Development
For individuals, this assessment builds self-awareness by uncovering the motivations behind actions.
By understanding what drives you, you can:
- Make better career decisions
- Improve relationships
- Align your work with your motivations
By understanding what motivates you, you can adjust your approach to your current position, pursue a more fulfilling career, and enhance your interpersonal relationships by increasing your awareness of your motivations.
Improve Work Performance
Understanding your drivers helps you perform more effectively in your role.
For example, if a task requires an Objective driver but you are motivated by Harmonious surroundings, you may feel disengaged. Recognizing this allows you to adjust your approach and improve performance.
The result: higher engagement, better focus, and stronger output.
Strategic Planning & Team Alignment
Not everyone is motivated the same way. Understanding workplace motivation allows leaders to:
- Align individuals with organizational goals
- Increase employee engagement
- Improve team productivity
- Strengthen retention
Smarter Hiring Decisions
The 12 Driving Forces assessment is EEOC and OFCCP-compliant, making it valuable in the hiring process.
It helps organizations:
- Identify job fit
- Understand candidate motivation
- Build a stronger company culture
Talent Development & Succession Planning
Organizations can use this assessment to build a stronger talent pipeline by identifying:
- Energizers vs. stressors
- Readiness for promotion
- Alignment with future roles
What’s Your Next Step?
When it comes to behavioral and motivation assessments, you have options. If you’re interested in using TTI assessments for your team, organization, or personal growth, we’re here to help.
Discover what motivates you, then turn that insight into stronger performance, engagement, and results.
Ready to apply 12 Driving Forces in your organization? Want to join the TTI network as a partner? Get started now.