Module 3/4 30 min
Four levers that cost nothing
Step 1 / 2·The four levers
0/2 steps done
Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Adjust the content of the work to retain people
- Ensure fairness in credit and allocation
- Shield the team from unpredictable workload
Learn ~14 min
The four levers
Start with what needs nobody's permission.
Making each lever concrete
| Lever | What to actually do |
|---|---|
| Work content | For each person, identify the part they most dislike and find a way to reduce or rotate it; and give them at least one piece of work they genuinely want |
| Fairness | Each quarter, list who has been given the visible work and who has been named in reports upward. If the list holds only one or two names, that is the problem |
| Predictability | Shield the team from ad-hoc demands: question the deadline and the priority before accepting more work, rather than passing it straight down |
| Visibility | Have the person present their own results to senior leaders rather than presenting on their behalf; say clearly why you chose them |
Fairness is the most underrated lever
A sense of being treated unfairly corrodes faster than low pay, because it repeats weekly. And managers almost always believe they are fair — so test it against a list, not against your own impression.