CAREER ANCHORS

Edgar Schein developed the idea of career anchors - what people most want out of a career
He came up with 8 career anchors ---

1. Autonomy/independence - wanting to be self reliant - useful with today's contracting out.
2. Security/stability - wanting to remain with one employer for life - not so likely any more.
3. Technical/functional competence - to identify with a professional discipline.
4. General management - having a broad, overview, facilitating role, not a specialist.
5. Entrepreneurial creativity - a premium wherever innovation drives competitiveness.
6. Service - dedication to worthwhile causes ranging from the environment to poverty.
7. Pure challenge - just solving difficult problems - no pattern necessary.
8. Life style - disinclination to sacrifice life style solely for career advancement.

You may combine a few of these career anchors, but there should be one at the top of your list
By analyzing employee needs, career planners can channel them appropriately instead of
assuming that they all want to move up the managerial hierarchy
If innovation is essential in your business, forcing your stars up the ladder is self defeating