Currencies Assessment

Understanding your currencies will inform how you approach reciprocity and exchange.

One’s approach to reciprocity and exchange is critical to successful use of influence. But just as important is the “currency” used to make the exchange. Cohen and Bradford identify five general types of currency that they have observed being used in exchange in organizations. These categories and examples are neither exclusive nor exhaustive, but are offered to demonstrate the many ways individuals give and receive value in the exchange process that makes reciprocity work.

Inspiration Related

  • Vision of the work that contributes to bigger things

  • Excellence in what we do

  • Moral/ethical doing what is right, particularly for the customer

Task Related

  • New resources to get the work done

  • Challenge to do something new

  • Direct assistance in getting the work done

  • Rapid response to a request for help

  • Information access of organizational or technical nature

Position Related

  • Recognition of accomplishment

  • Visibility to significant others

  • Reputation as being competent and hard working

  • Belonging to the organization

  • Connections with others

Relationship Related

  • Understanding of concerns and issues

  • Acceptance of the individual and friendship

  • Personal support and emotional backing

Personal Currencies

  • Gratitude, appreciation, and expression of indebtedness

  • Ownership and influence over important work

  • Self affirmation through work of values, self-esteem and identity

  • Comfort/ease around needed work

Currency Assessment

Think about the currency list.

  1. What do you have a lot of and which currencies find you empty handed? Make a list:

    • What I have…

    • What I lack…

  2. Now think about any self-assessment you’ve completed (MBTI, FIRO-B, Enneagram, etc.). How does your “type” connect to some of your assets of deficits in the influencing currency context?

  3. What do currencies do you use?

  4. What do currencies do you need to develop?

  5. How are your currencies tied to your leadership profile?

Use these answers to better inform how you use and develop your currencies going forward.