In the constantly changing world of Call Centers, asking agents to adapt to ever increasing demands, responsibilities and performance can be a challenge to even the most involved of managers. Being able to create buy in is always challenging, but if you can answer the WIIFM question you will be ahead of the game.
While some people may think that the WIIFM question is selfish and self serving, I want to challenge that notion. Very few of us are willing to be completely altruistic in our daily endeavors. We hold down jobs and invest in careers for diverse reasons but the bottom line is that the work we do provides us the means to live the way we choose. When we can no longer see the WIIFM because we are bogged down in the challenges of our daily tasks, we no longer feel compelled to perform those tasks.
So, let me ask you a few questions. Why do you work? Is the work you do important to you or is it just the means to a different end? Do your goals include continuing to do the job you are currently in or do you intend to make a career change? How does the job you're performing now fit into your goals? In other words "What's in it for you?"
Now that you have thought about your WIIFM answers how can you provide the WIIFM for the people that work for you? I know that in a busy Call Center getting to know every employee's hopes and aspirations can be difficult at best. However, giving them the tools to ask and answer their own WIIFM questions can lead to a happier and more productive agent. When discussing new policies, coaching for better performance, or talking about the direction of the organization?keep in mind "what is in it for me (them)." They may not know the answer or they may not be able to see it during the discussions. Giving them the opportunity to ask the question or giving them examples of the WIIFM can make accepting change, or receiving coaching easier.
Actually, WIIFM is just another way to motivate your people that may or may not consist of monetary goals. Not everyone in your employment is motivated by more money, or it may not be their primary motivator. For example, I am completely motivated by praise. I can go a long way on an "atta girl". If you get specific about why and where you think I am doing a good job, I will double my efforts to be valued, appreciated and praised. I will even ask for praise when I need it. However, when I work in a situation where I don't feel valued or appreciated, all the money in the bank won't keep me satisfied. Do you know what motivates your employees to perform? Can your employees answer that question for you?
When your employees see the WIIFM they can make informed decisions about their contributions. It provides focus and can create target goals to strive for. Answering the WIIFM question can alleviate fears and frustration, help employees navigate change and even provide a reason to excel. If you could help every employee ask and answer the "what's in it for me?" question would it make your job easier? Would it give you the tools you needed to provide better motivational messages, contests, and benefits? Could helping your employees understand "what's in it for me" improve productivity, retention, or employee satisfaction? WIIFM can work for you; all you have to do is ask the right questions.
If you are interest in leadership theory and practices then you need to visit: http://www.righttolead.com. Carole Sue Jones is a contributing writer and thinker for our organization. In addition, as a leader you may be interested in http://www.righttolead.com.
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..As a manager, your employees will come to you with... Read More
The very effective tool of keeping a journal can be... Read More
The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers,... Read More
Let's look at the detail of giving feedback. Whether you... Read More
From the moment he putted with Bob Hope on the... Read More
Just today my partner Russ and I sat down to... Read More
TEAM LEADERS WORKSHOPAlice asked Cheshire cat "which road should I... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Why do we human beings complicate things? Is it that... Read More
Everyone knows, works or lives with "innies." Who are they... Read More
Internal business structures have been radically transformed over the past... Read More
As the world of manufacturing has become increasingly competitive, managers... Read More
Sometimes the greatest challenges lay not within the actions of... Read More
Giving gifts to your co-workers or your employees can be... Read More
Recently, while developing a customer service program, I asked my... Read More
For a brief time, I tried to sell life insurance.... Read More
People who lead the best teams realise early on that... Read More
Who keeps the wheels turning in your organisation? Who holds... Read More
The Sales Director had organised a great conference; the venue... Read More
Teams run most businesses and teams work best if each... Read More
Consensus is the appropriate decision strategy for the most important... Read More
I declared a Communications Major two years into school, after... Read More
The company picnic is a beloved tradition at many firms.It's... Read More
At a time when many companies are scaling down their... Read More
Last month's edition of Footprints and Monuments illustrated a parallel... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..Project Head Start has been successful not only for the... Read More
CREATE A MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE: Create a climate where others find... Read More
Group discussions are where much of the creative work of... Read More
In the constantly changing world of Call Centers, asking agents... Read More
As a business owner, I've had staff come and go... Read More
Benefit 1 - You get to understand them betterAlmost everyone... Read More
A follow-up companion reader to The 17 Indisputable Laws of... Read More
Any x by y matrix plan has one big risk...... Read More
Proactive High Performance Teamwork is made up of nine proactive... Read More
Franchisors should also be heavy on the award side of... Read More
The grand purpose of coaching is to help your managers,... Read More
Trainers, please picture this... You are presenting in a new... Read More
What's the Secret Ingredient That Turns Groups into Teams? Working... Read More
Recently I decided to stretch my athletic abilities and add... Read More
It's all about focusing on where the best value in... Read More
No figure in history is like General Patton. He was... Read More
Most managers simply herd some people in a room with... Read More
The effects of conflict in the workplace are widespread and... Read More
Teams are often useful in situations where the task cannot... Read More
Teams run most businesses and teams work best if each... Read More
Turbulent TwistersYou've read about it in the headlines and experienced... Read More
Introduction:Working with teams, whether as leader of a single team... Read More
Last month's edition of Footprints and Monuments illustrated a parallel... Read More
"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More
Too often teams aren't assembled. They just happen. A project... Read More
Team Building |