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Understanding someone's motivations will help you communicate or frame your argument in a way that they will understand and value. Determining what motivates someone can be a bit tricky. But there are a few strategies that you can use to uncover their underlying motivations. One of the best ways to determine what motivates someone is simply to ask them.

Ask open ended questions that encourage them to talk about their goals and aspirations. For example, what drives you to do your best work? What energizes you at work? This can give you clues as to the types of work experiences that would motivate them.

Also, pay attention to what the person talks about frequently or what they seem to prioritize. This can give you clues about what is most important to them. For example, they talk a lot about their family. They may be motivated by a desire to provide for them or spend more time with them.

Finally, different people are motivated by different things depending on their personality and values. For example, someone who values creativity may be motivated by opportunities to express themselves, while someone who values stability may be motivated by job security.