One of the most valuable assets of a good leader is being able to spot potential and subsequently provide a platform for development. Many candidates who come for interviews won’t be the finished article, but often, employers see something they know will have a positive impact on the business. Whether it’s a specific skill, life experience or a character trait, possessing potential opens up doors. If you’re a business owner looking to build a brilliant team and make the most of your employees’ skills and talents, here’s a guide to help you encourage and promote progression.
Identifying skills gaps
Not everyone who joins a team will have all the skills and qualifications needed to excel in their job from day one. It’s rare to have a group of people that ticks every single box, and often, employers focus on spotting potential, rather than identifying a finished product that lacks flair or individuality. As an employer, it’s beneficial to identify skills gaps and to try and plug holes to improve efficiency and performance and ensure optimum results. If you have a team that is lacking in specific areas, you can encourage employees to develop new skills and expand their knowledge base by providing development opportunities. Many people start a job with a desire to learn and to climb the career ladder. Working for somebody who has faith in you and backs that up with practical assistance and resources is likely to boost morale and increase productivity.
Providing training
Training is mutually beneficial. Training enables employees to develop existing skills and learn new things and employers to benefit from a knowledgeable, skilled workforce. Providing training is a means of putting trust in your current employees and also investing in your business. There are myriad choices when it comes to staff training, and it’s worth weighing up the options. Look for training providers that have an excellent record, and explore different avenues like online courses and a corporate training platform that encourages game-based learning. If training is engaging, fun, and interactive, candidates are much more likely to take meaningful information away with them. Tailor your training strategy to suit your business, select courses, and platforms that suit your employees, and figure out which core skills you want to work on. It’s also a great idea to ask for feedback from staff after they have completed training.
Offering opportunities
Most people want to progress in their career. Sadly, sometimes, it can be very difficult to climb that ladder and reach the top. As an employer, you can help people to fulfil their potential by offering opportunities to take on more responsibility. Instead of advertising roles externally, consider internal candidates first, and ask yourself if the best person for the job is right in front of you. Give people a chance to impress you, and don’t underestimate the importance of valuing your employees. If you have a team that is committed and driven, but there’s no chance for them to move on at your company, there’s a risk of them looking for better jobs elsewhere.
Encouraging independent thought and idea-sharing
There are several different types of leadership style. Some people like to assume responsibility for decision-making, while others are more open to listening to ideas and opinions. If you are keen to develop potential and encourage your employees to get on in your business, it’s wise to promote independent thought. Give people time and a platform to speak. Make sure you listen to what your employees have to say, and don’t write off ideas immediately just because they don’t match your plans. Take time to speak to people, to listen, and to explore different ways of thinking. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to get multiple points of view and consider different perspectives before making a final decision. Offering a talented employee a chance to speak and discuss ideas can also improve confidence, especially in those who aren’t naturally outgoing or extroverted. A lack of self-confidence can hold people back, no matter how much talent they have. If you spot potential, and that individual struggles to have faith in their own capabilities, work on
As an employer, it’s understandable to want the best from your team. Often, you’ll be required to utilize your leadership skills and experience to develop potential and enable your employees to take the next step. Identify skills gaps and bridge them with training, invest in your workforce and consider offering roles to internal staff members. Look for innovative, effective, engaging training methods, talk and listen to your employees, and let people express and share thoughts and ideas.
