Intensity

Intensity measures how much positive stretch you prefer in the objectives of an assignment you already master: a realistic objective that leaves room to secure quality, or a very ambitious objective that pushes you to stretch. Research on goal setting establishes that specific, difficult goals produce higher performance than vague instructions to try as hard as you can, provided the person commits to them, has the skills and receives feedback on progress [1]. The axis does not measure that effect; it measures where you sit within the tension it implies: how far a high target mobilises you, and from what point it costs you more than it brings.

The axis appears in target setting, deadlines, quotas, growth objectives and stretch assignments. It is felt when the objective is set, then at every checkpoint where the gap to the target becomes visible. Its effect depends on mastery: research on goals shows that the advantage of difficult goals is clearer on well-mastered tasks than on complex tasks still being learned, where a high target can divert attention from acquiring the right methods [1]. That is why the question is asked about an assignment you already master: on new ground, Guidance comes first. Scientific scope: the cited studies examine workplace behaviours, conditions or outcomes. They do not directly validate this preference scale or an individual PIMPmyBOSS compatibility score.

The score describes a situated preference or a perceived behaviour. It is neither a personality diagnosis, a norm nor a verdict on professional quality.