Who Will Benefit?

By Candace Fisher, SPHR, Director, Organizational Development/Certified Coach
Published December 17, 2024

I admit it – I get emotionally attached. I’m emotionally attached to my job responsibilities, and I’m emotionally attached to “stuff.” While I won’t go as far as to call myself a hoarder, I do tend to hold onto things for a long time. As we were going through our Christmas decorations and deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away, I was having a hard time letting go. I decided to use a decision tool that I suggest when facilitating some of my leadership training sessions. When faced with a tough decision or a decision you think you should make but really don’t want to, come up with a benefits list. Ask yourself, “Who will benefit from this and what are the benefits?”

So, in my case, getting rid of an (almost new) Santa Pooh goes something like this:

(This first acronym is common, and you be familiar with it.)

WIIFM: What’s in it for me? My husband will stop asking me why I keep so many stuffed animals.

(These next two are “Candace-isms.” I made them up.)

WIIFT: What’s in it for them (or the team)? Hopefully, there is some other Winnie the Pooh afficionado out there who will get enjoyment from the adorable stuffed toy.

WIIFO: What’s in it for others (or the organization, or in this case, our household)? We have less stuff to store and ultimately to move some day. 

Applying this to a workplace scenario: “I have a lot on my plate, but delegating tasks to my team members will take more time than doing them myself. Besides, if I’m the only one who knows how to do (x) task, I’m more valuable to the organization, right?” First, let me say that the last thought is faulty. An employee who won’t share information is less valuable to an organization because their interests are solely focused on themselves, not on the team.

Delegating a task to a team member:

WIIFM: What’s in it for me? a) In the long term, I’ll have more time freed up to focus on other things. This can also result in less stress when I don’t have to do it all. b) A good leader is responsible for developing their team members, and I’m making myself look good when I have a strong team.

WIIFT: What’s in it for them (or the team)? a) The team members to whom I delegate will broaden their skills and knowledge and will be more valuable to the team and to the organization. b) This also may result in improved employee satisfaction, engagement, and team morale.

WIIFO: What’s in it for others (or the organization)? a) I’m developing the organization’s bench strength. If I’m not at work (out sick, on vacation, etc.), the work will still get done and our customers’ needs will still be met. b) I’m developing employees, helping fill our talent pool for future needs, and possibly contributing to our succession plan.

I’ve also used this tool in a variety of other situations such as when there’s a difficult conversation that I’m avoiding. If I can come up with a convincing benefits list, it’s usually obvious which direction I need to go. 

So, after following my own advice, Santa Pooh (and many of his friends) are out the door. I’ve made a couple of tough decisions that I’d been putting off, and I’m ready to reap the benefits (WIIFM). Hopefully others will benefit (WIIFT and WIIFO) from my decisions as well!