Don’t Forget About the WIIFM Principle

As I build this website, I try to remember the WIIFM prinicple.  I am sure you have heard of it; What’s in it for me?  More specifically, it should be WIIFT; what’s in it for them, since I am thinking of my readers as I try to create helpful posts.  As leaders, we can tend to get caught up in what WE are doing, and not worry so much about those we are leading.  Naturally, this can lead to dire consequences, including ending up that we really aren’t leading anyone.  I was once in an MLM that shall remain nameless, and the leader had done just this.  He got so caught up in his early success that he stopped doing what had made him successful, which was focusing on those he was bringing into the business.  Instead, he start “preaching” about how well he had done in the business and how successful he was.  Ultimately, I left that company largely because of him, and I know of several others who had gotten turned off by him.  He didn’t lose everything, but last I had heard he is still in the same spot on the leadership ladder as he was ten years ago.  That is a long time to go with no growth.  So, what can we do to stay focused on WIIFMT?

1. Remember who is important - It is easy to get caught up in our successes, especially after we work so hard to get there.  Sadly, we see this happen all too often where a person reaches success, and then tumbles because they stop doing what made them successful.  It is your customers, downline, followers, etc. that you should maintain focus on.  Don’t know what they want?  Ask them.  You will be amazed at what they will tell you.

2. Watch out for “I” - How often do you read an interview or watch one on TV where the person says, “I” this and “I” that?  After awhile, it gets really annoying.  Yes, you may have succeeded, but in almost all cases, it was a group effort in getting you there.  Keep the focus on others and you will succeed.

3. Think about what they want - Dale Carnegie say’s in his iconic book, “How to win friends and influence people” says to not think about what you want, think about what they want and show them how to get it.  I firmly believe in this principle and will continue to do all I can to help you get what you want out of this leadership website.  Please comment and let me know if there is anything I can provide for you!