We live in an age of mass customization: FB, LI, Amazon, Netflix and their algorithms lead us to expect a bespoke experience tailored to our preferences and needs (I know the algorithms aren't perfect, but we all notice it when there is no customization).
But too many leaders have a one size fits all mindset. Under the guise of fairness and simplicity (but too often standardized to keep costs down) everyone receives the same
same medical package
1500 medical expenses to a single person maybe ok, but to a woman or man with a family to support it’s laughable
same leave policy including carry over policy
same work from home policy
In a post pandemic, the narrative I hear from many employees is one of peer approbation and leadership blindness to hard work. Of a lack of celebration of progress, but rather a focus on the need for perfection.
As a leader ask yourself these questions. As an employee how do you think your leader is doing on them?
Do you know each team members’ “why” - the reason they do what they do?
What are their passions that they can use at work?
How do they feel about the level of work life integration?
What are their values?
How do they like to be recognized?
If you can’t answer some or all of them, you have work to do