How to Measure What Matters: Using the Total Motivation Factor to Transform Your Culture

Culture is often called the soul of an organization, but how do you measure a soul? Primed to Perform answers this question with the Total Motivation Factor (ToMo), a metric that translates the complex interplay of motivation into a single, actionable score.

ToMo balances the six core motives—play, purpose, potential, emotional pressure, economic pressure, and inertia—giving leaders a clear picture of their culture’s health. This measurement is gathered through a concise six-question survey, making it practical for teams of all sizes.

Why measure ToMo? Because it predicts outcomes that matter: creativity, persistence, customer satisfaction, and retention. Teams with higher ToMo scores consistently outperform those weighed down by pressure and disengagement.

Implementing ToMo measurement involves regular surveying, transparent communication of results, and targeted interventions. Leaders use the data to identify areas needing support, such as reducing economic pressure or enhancing purpose connection.

Measurement also signals to employees that their motivation and well-being are priorities, fostering trust and engagement.

Case studies reveal organizations that have integrated ToMo into their leadership practices experience improved adaptability, innovation, and morale.

By measuring what truly matters, leaders can transform culture from an abstract ideal into a manageable, evolving asset that primes people to perform at their best.