“Got a minute?” That’s how it usually begins.
You’re out and about in your customer locations visiting your people and your customers, when one of your folks stops you and asks for that proverbial “minute”. As an astute leader, your job is to use that “minute” to ascertain what’s truly being asked. Sometimes it’s an easily answered question that you can satisfy in 60 seconds or less. Other times it could be a far more meaningful conversation that requires your focused attention. It could be the beginning of career discussions. If it is, be honored that, 1. They think highly enough of you to ask you, and 2. They value your advice and opinions. That’s a gift and you should view it as such. Use that “minute” to frame their true question but be sure to leave time in that “minute” to schedule a more meaningful conversation when you’re not rushing off to the next thing on your calendar.
With career conversations, my experience is that there are a few general topics that employees want to discuss:
- Charting possible career paths
- Exploring career options in their functional area
- Getting another perspective on their potential, strengths, talents, and gaps. (this assumes you really know them)
- Exploring how their current gig can build toward what they want long term out of their career
- Getting advice on steps that help progress their career (e.g. networking, education, mentoring, growth projects, etc.)
I find that some employees think that YOU (the leader) own THEIR career…and that’s unfortunate. Don’t leave that thought unchecked. Flip it and help them realize that THEY are the driving force of their career- not you. As a leader, you’re not expected to read minds and guess what folks want from their time with you or for their careers- they own that. Employees need to feel comfortable openly communicating their goals and wants. Our job then is to manage expectations and advise on how they might succeed in THEIR plan.
I’ve often said- leadership is as much about “FOLLOWERSHIP” as it is leadership. An active follower who communicates and owns their career is a breath of fresh air. When those folks come along, make time for them, listen intently, and earnestly help them. In most of those cases they’ll bring the “thrust”. You’ll just need to help tweak their “vector”.
-Nate Copeland