THE DEAL

What is “the deal”? It’s what your people understand is expected of them, and what they can expect from you. It’s at the heart of the psychological contract, and your EVP. So, how confident are you that this is all understood – in the same way, by everybody?

 

I mean, until a while ago you provided them with things like: an office, a desk, colleagues, a manager they could see. If that’s gone, doesn’t everything else come into question?

On top of this, you may be much busier, you might be much quieter, you might be furloughing, you might be pivoting. In any event, there’s room for ambiguity and different interpretations on what’s needed, wanted, demanded.

On the flip side, you used to offer all or some of: a personal experience to employees, recognition, chances to learn and develop, challenging tasks, inspiring leaders, understood work-life balance arrangements. Some or all of these are different. Some of these are up in the air, and some might not come back down for some time.

So, what IS the deal now? Your people might very well know and understand it, and be able to work effectively. But they might not. You won’t know until you ask them.

So, ask them. Now.