I always find it fascinating that some people in management positions think that their job is to do the work of the people that work for them (while I am sure that it seems easier to do that at times, certainly not the best way in the long run). It goes back to that saying: "If you give a person a fish they will eat for a day but if you teach a person to fish they will eat forever" I am a big believer in the "teaching" and the "developing" of talented people.
Recently I was asked by a manger in my company, that had just taken on a bit more responsibility, how he might be able to do a better job of developing the people that work for him. After talking to him and listening to the specifics of what he was currently doing I gave him this bit of advise....
- Before jumping in to solve the problem that the person has brought into your office ask that person what they think they should do?
- Acknowledge up front that every person is different and trying to develop everyone the exact same way is not possible and in fact is not effective.
- Set up a plan for how you will develop that person. Work with them by using their talents and helping them to develop their strengths.
There are lots of ways to help people to develop and as a manger charged with the responsibility of developing people you need to figure out the best way to get that done.
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