I can now get a Mountain Dew at Subway.

The sandwiches are the same as they’ve always been, but now I can get a delicious, ice cold Mountain Dew to accompany the meal.

That changes my calculus when choosing a spot to grab a quick bite to eat.

In a similar way, your leadership can be the frosty Mountain Dew that pairs with the work someone on your team loves doing.

(Is this a monumental stretch?)

Just like my restaurant choice can be influenced by the availability of my favorite beverage, the experience your people have at work is directly influenced by their relationship with you.

Here’s a question worth considering: if they had an opportunity to move to another organization and all else was equal, would their relationship with you make it easier for them to stay or easier for them to go?

This is not about pandering to their whims, but about ensuring that you are leading in a way that makes it possible for them to be successful. 

An icy Mountain Dew doesn’t solve every problem, but it sure tilts the scales.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION: Ask your people if they are getting what they need from you. You’re not trying to meet every preference they have, but to determine if your leadership is creating opportunities for them to be successful or obstacles that are getting in the way of that success.

(PS: Don’t worry, Jersey Mike’s, I would choose you every time if you were in Fairbanks)

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My free PDF, “100 Questions for Better 1-1 Meetings,” will help you upgrade the 1-1 conversations with your people so you can easily unearth their hidden potential and uncover valuable insights about your organization. Grab it today!