.:: nina khoo - NLP ::.

The Apter Motivational Style Profile (AMSP) is a radically different personality profile. Based on the psychological theory known as 'Reversal Theory', it addresses the inconsistency and changeability of individuals.
Reversal Theory focuses specifically on motivational styles. It proposes that our experience is shaped by a set of alternative ways of seeing the world, each based on a fundamental value or motive. Four pairs of such opposite states have been identified, and we switch - or 'reverse' - fairly frequently between these opposite motivational states under a variety of circumstances. The Four pairs of states are:

Serious - Playful
Conforming - Rebellious
Mastery - Sympathy
Self-oriented - Other-oriented

The AMSP is a 40 question self-report instrument that indicates the amount of time a person is aware of spending in each of the eight states over time. The AMSP can be used with individuals or with teams as a starting point to determine:

which states are accessed most frequently
their ability to move between states as and when needed

It is then possible to focus on:

whether the states are being deployed appropriately in different situations
ensuring the individual has access to all the states
knowing how and when to use each of the states to meet their needs

All eight states contribute to performance at work and in every day life, and great rewards are available in all states.
For example, it has been found that:

People in a Playful state tend to stick at problems longer, their responses are more creative and groups have solved seemingly 'impossible tasks'
People exercise for longer and exert more effort in the Playful state
In the Serious state we have greater tension in our muscles - therefore people performing tasks in the serious state get tired faster and injure themselves more easily
Coaches rated highest on leadership showed motivational versatility and richness

Useful in both personal and business contexts, the AMSP can be completed at the start of coaching to provide an indication of areas to be explored. If desired, a further AMSP can then be completed toward the end of the coaching period to gauge the level of changes achieved.

amsp