How to Help Direct Reports Grow

The work of a leader involves motivating people while holding them accountable. Your ability to help each direct report grow makes a tremendous difference on the path to stellar results. Consider the following relationship-building practices to reinforce the importance of learning on your team.

Know your organization's development offerings and budget. Before you ask team members what they need, get a sense of what is available and what is possible at your company. Schedule time with your organization’s development champion to compile the options. You may find something beneficial for your own development, too.

Ask each direct report what drives them. People get out of bed for different reasons. By gaining clarity on motivation, you can create opportunities and experiences to meet each individual where they are. You’ll learn interesting things about your people while helping them create their future.

Schedule quarterly 1:1 meetings focused solely on the direct report's growth. You conduct 1:1 meetings for a variety of reasons. Add this one to the list. The gift of your time, specifically 30 minutes a quarter, can change the course of a direct report’s career. Two questions drive this meeting:

How do you want to develop and grow?

What can I do to support you?

Take notes to celebrate achievements, discuss goals that change over time and hold the employee accountable.

Leaders who know what drives their people reinforce trust. Trust leads to learning and growth. Teams get more done and are willing to go the extra mile. Consider how often you invest in the growth of your direct reports, and take an active role in their future success.

Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving.  Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.