WIIFU versus WIIFM

It's a fight meant for the presses. Coaches be prepared because this is going to be one fight you want to see!  

In one corner is the widely recognized and aging acronym WIIFM, or as we like to say, "The ever present, but inaccurate What's in it for me."

In the opposite corner is the newer, younger acronym WIIFU also known as, "Sounding like a sneeze, but a more relevant acronym meaning What's in it for us." 

Let the bout begin!  

WIIFM approaches the center of the ring.  The majority of the audience scream "WIIFM! WIIFM!" due to the popularity growth that change agents, trainers, and leadership established decades ago.  It's hard to change allegiances, and WIIFM knows this.  The alleged power and misdirected authority reigns from WIIFM.  These supporters know that WIFFM  is only out for himself, and yet, surprisingly the emphasis on "Me" doesn't deter the masses. 

WIIFU isn't going to allow WIIFM or all of his supporters deter him.  Approaching the middle of the ring, WIIFU strides confidently up to WIIFM.  The few in the audience screaming "Go WIIFU!" know that this is not going to be an exciting match.  They understand the power of thinking about the team, the organization, the masses. 

WIIFM takes a shot to WIIFU's head and misses.  With one punch, WIIFU swings and lands a big smacker on WIIFM's right cheek. WIIFM stumbles, loses his grounding, and falls back. It's a knockout!  WIIFU is the clear winner.

Implementing any type of change in an organization requires understanding about the wants and needs of a change and the reasons why.  Unfortunately, many still keep the answers to the WIIFM as the guiding factor on how to engage individuals. However, organizations are learning how to be successful by focusing more on teams to get things done.  And, it makes sense. 

Teams are able to throw ideas off each other, allowing for more creativity.  Teams work together to build products faster than one person can.  Teams help quality by having more than one pair of eyes on code. Teams hold each other accountable without management interference to release products/services that customers value.  Teams bring more joy to the workplace as collaboration builds.  

Good teams can be the lifeline of a successful company.

Thus, when coaching a new organization through any transformation, it is important to find the answer to, "What's In It For Us?" The "Us" part should be answered by thinking of every group of individuals that makes up an organization.

Who is this Us?

Us = The entire organization
Us = Upper Management
Us = Teams
Us = Middle Management 
Us = Project Management Office
Us = Any group of individuals who work together

It is important to not put the focus only on individuals' needs, but on team needs. It is the individuals working together who make the most impact and bring success to a company.