Guiding Employees Along Pathways to Growth
One of the most impactful tools you have as a manager is providing meaningful guidance and feedback to your team members. Picture this: you've just finished a conversation with your employee, and you both walk away feeling energized, confident, and aligned. They know exactly what success looks like, and you're confident they have what they need to excel. This isn't just wishful thinking – it's achievable when you master the art of developmental discussions.
"A leader's job is not to do the work for others, it's to help others figure out how to do it themselves, to get things done, and to succeed beyond what they thought possible." - Madam C.J. Walker, America's first self-made female millionaire
These words, spoken by a pioneering Black entrepreneur who transformed the lives of thousands of women through her business leadership in the early 1900s, capture the essence of developmental leadership. Walker didn't just build a successful company. She created pathways to success for others, training and empowering over 40,000 women to build their own economic independence. Today, her leadership philosophy remains as relevant as ever.
Great leadership lies in your ability to guide your team with clarity, purpose, and encouragement. By prioritizing these developmental discussions, you create pathways to growth that enable your team members to expand their knowledge, strengthen their relationships, and reach their full potential.
The best discussions transcend basic task clarification. Rather, they forge a powerful connection between individual growth and organizational goals. In my work with managers, I often hear concerns about micromanaging. This fear can lead to providing insufficient direction, leaving employees to navigate uncertainty alone. Meanwhile, these same employees, hesitant to appear inexperienced or uncooperative, often struggle silently rather than ask for help. The result? Wasted time, frustration, and subpar outcomes.
The solution lies in focusing on the What, How, & Why of desired behaviors. With thoughtful preparation, you can transform these conversations into catalysts for success. Here's how:
The What: Clarifying Expectations
Start by painting a crystal-clear picture of the goal, new responsibility, or desired behavior. Be specific about expectations, timelines, and deliverables. This foundation ensures everyone starts on the same page.
The How: Action Planning
Once expectations are set, explore how your employee plans to tackle the challenge. Make this a creative collaboration, not a pop quiz. Adapt your guidance to their experience level. Seasoned team members might need just a few strategic pointers, while others may benefit from more detailed discussion and support.
The Why: Providing Context
Context is what transforms a task into a mission. Share why the assignment matters, both for the organization's success and the employee's professional growth. When team members see their work as part of a larger purpose, their engagement and motivation naturally flourish.
Your Next Steps
Ready to transform your team discussions? Connect with me on LinkedIn for your complimentary guide: How to Prepare for Important Discussions – Guiding Employees Along Pathways to Growth. You'll receive a practical discussion planner with sample scripts to help you create conversations that drive success, build trust, and empower your employees to thrive.
Ready to create a feedback culture that drives growth and success in your organization? Let’s connect and explore how I can support your leadership journey. Contact me to schedule a free consultation.
Nicole Norian is the founder of Chrysalis HR Consulting, an experienced HR leader, and a certified executive coach. With over three decades of HR expertise and a deep commitment to helping individuals and organizations thrive, she has dedicated her career to empowering leaders and fostering dynamic, mission-driven cultures.