Mastery
Can they do their work to the standard they want?
Do they feel effective and capable? Are challenges appropriately matched to their skill level?
Grounded in: Competence (SDT) — the experience of efficacy and growth
What We Measure
Whether people can do their work to the standard they want, feel effective and capable, and are stretched at a level matched to their skill. We surface the experience of competence — too little challenge and people stagnate, too much and they founder.
Why It Matters
Grounded in SDT's Competence — the experience of efficacy and growth — mastery is a primary source of Meaning and intrinsic motivation. People are drawn to work where they feel effective. When the challenge fits the skill, engagement follows; when it doesn't, motivation drains either to boredom or to overwhelm.
When It's Working
- People feel effective at their core responsibilities
- Challenge is matched to skill, with room to stretch
- There is visible pride in the quality of the work
When It's Not
- People feel out of their depth or under-used
- Quality is compromised by mismatch of skill and task
- Either boredom or chronic overwhelm is common
Assess Mastery in Your Team
See how your team scores on Mastery as part of a full team diagnostic across all 14 components.