In today's issue:

– My interview with Molson Hart, Viahart CEO

– The "Contribution Ladder" exercise

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The "Contribution Ladder" exercise

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Imagine you watched for 60 seconds some Starbucks baristas doing their job.

Then, imagine being asked to list all the output of their job.

What would you list?

Some managers might list the number of coffees made.

That’s the first step of the contribution ladder.

If you only mention this, you might get higher measurable production, but without good quality or engagement.

Other managers might list the quality of the coffees made (e.g., the latte art, etc).

That’s the second step of the contribution ladder.

It’s better than the first step, but not enough.

Some managers might list the impact on customers: the smiles generated, etc.

That’s the third step of the contribution ladder.

If you mention it, you get more engaged and proactive people.

Finally, some might also list the impact baristas had on each other. The help they gave each other, etc.

That’s the fourth step of the contribution ladder.

When you start mentioning it, you get better teamwork.

How can you use this at work, concretely?

In the short video above, I provide two examples: one for an in-person team and one for a remote team.

The principle is simple:

– Notice the contributions people make to all steps of the ladder (output quantity, output quality, customers, team)

– To prevent signaling, ask everyone to contribute to all four – less than four is not enough

– Do this in person (or via video call, but not email). Point out to *all* specific examples you noticed in a short observation period.

– If you do *all* three of the above, you will increase team engagement and effectiveness instantly.

– But it only works if you do it sincerely and with genuine enthusiasm.

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Podcast with Molson Hart

I recently interviewed Molson Hart, Viahart CEO, and Edison IP Enforcement chairman.

You can watch the interview by clicking on the video below, listen to it on Spotify, or find the transcript here.

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Reminder: Major Books Update

In case you missed last week's announcement, a quick reminder that I recently updated the format and typesetting of all my books (except the one on pandemics), both for the eBook and the paperback versions. I also corrected a few typos and a few phrasings which sounded weird in English.

You can find a list of all my books here.

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Omaha and Austin

I will soon be visiting Omaha (2-5/May: I've been invited to speak at a few conferences ancillary to the Berkshire annual meeting) and Austin (6-8/May). Just in case you'll be there too and want to grab a coffee.