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What's in it for me?
July 7, 2008
In the world of behavioral communications, there are 5 key questions:
1. How is this relevant to what I do?
2. What should I do, specificially?
3. How will I be measured, and what are the consequences?
4. What tools and support are available to me?
5. What's in it for me?
Which one is the most popular? If you think it's "What's in it for me?" think again. More than 60% of all people polled want--and ask for--the tools and support they need to do their job, or obtain the information they need to make a decision. Yet, this is the one thing that most companies lack in their communications arsenal. Why is it so important? Think about it. It's like asking a graphic designer to create an ad without Photoshop, or a programmer to create a website without a computer. It's not impossible (once upon a time, there was this thing called paper...), but it's what helps employees perform their jobs effectively. Are you supplying them with the tools and support they need, and are you relaying the information they need to feel included? I know of a small business that acquired 20 new employees from their competitor, but failed to send out a memo to the rest of their staff informing of them of this triumph. The current staff members felt left out, displaced, and unsure of what these new employees meant (are they replacing the current staff, are they going to become some team's new boss?). In response to this lack of communication, these employees are brushing off their resumes and sending them to recruiters. And it's such a simple solution... all this company had to do was communicate their intentions to keep their best asset - their human capital.
Also provide the necessary tools and support your staff needs to do their jobs. It's all about execution. If you're unsure what they need, just ask. Not only will they feel valued, but they'll be able to focus, hence increasing the bottom line.
Related articles:
Understanding communication styles can advance your relationships--and your career prospects
Communications Trend Report (PDF)
Employees are saying this about our managers
Posted by Suze Bragg on July 7, 2008 | Comments (0)
