What Is In It For Me

Author Raja Krishnamoorthy / Kitty - May 11, 2024

"What Is In It For Me?" Sorry,  Begin with a better question!

Today, let's talk about a popular idea in the corporate world: "What's in it for me?." This fancy and often quoted motivation concept essentially comes from Western management thinking. I disagree with it's undue "HYPE!"

I'd like to disagree that this idea is the first or fundamental need in a person for making commitments in a team, project or organisation... for someone to "Accept responsibilities, make commitments and contribute"...

I am sorry, No. Dear Sir/ Madam, I disagree!

No, it is the other way exactly, in my opinion. Here is why.

"What's in it for me" is often used to motivate people to take responsibility, but it has its limitations as a primary motivator.

It represents a deficit mentality:

First, this idea starts with a deficit mentality. To be a serious role holder, you need the willingness, competence and capability to contribute. Once you have that, you become part of the team or organisation.

Second, you must use your skills and competencies to make valuable contributions. These should improve productivity, your contribution should be reliable and consistent, and meet customer expectations.

Third, only after making these contributions can you, your team or your organisation expect something in return. This is when value exchange happens.

Fourth, your team or organisation must receive value from your role before you can benefit. In other words,  first, you join a team, make meaningful contributions, and then receive rewards like salary or incentives.

It is certainly not a beginning point!

So remember, "what's in it for me" is important for motivation but should not be the starting point or the only focus of the team member. Delivering value to customers and getting the value back to the team is a collective journey.

Being part of a team and making an impact means becoming  ENTITLED  for benefits but your ELIGIBILITY is YOUR CONTRIBUTION!

So, when asking "What's in it for me ?" start by asking "What contribution can I make?", to begin with. First & foremost.

Then

1. Consider the team's needs related to the goal, vision, and project objective.

2. Identify your specific skills, competencies, and role in adding value.

3. Share this with the team and be ready to adapt as needed.

4. Remember, a collaborative mindset and commitment show maturity.

5. Focus on achieving as a team, winning as a team, and creating customer delight together.

Yes, now, when there's a meaningful return to the team or organisation, your eligibility question has legitimacy: what's in it for me?

Reevaluate your thinking:

Modesty and humbleness are crucial for being a mature team member. If "What's in it for me" is your first question when joining a team, consider reevaluating your priorities.

I know this sounds a bit harsh, but that mindset doesn't fit well with teamwork and organisational health or success. But let me talk about who should think about this primarily.

Team leaders should keep this question in mind, as it may be part of their team members' thoughts, needs and aspirations. But if you are someone joining a team, as a starting point, this question doesn't work. Instead, focus on commitment and contribution.

Leaders should be certainly sensitive to WIIIFM, for sure!

Leaders should be sensitive to the human needs and wants of their team members, showing empathy and understanding and striving to fulfil those legitimate expectations as pay off for their contributions.

We live in a world where self-centeredness is becoming more common.  We need to prioritize teamwork and collaboration first.

We need to implant the VALUES and PRINCIPLES of collective team, organization and social system to precede the individual benefit.

Let's ask "What's in it for me?" after we've established that foundation of togetherness by asking " What contribution can I make to the team, organisation and society?".

in Awareness & Love

Raja Krishnamoorthy

11-5-2024