What Do Employees Really Want?
Summary
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In the past, I realized that as a leader, I wasn't an effective teacher. It took time and reflection to see that the issue wasn't with people's intelligence but my teaching skills.
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Many leaders and managers don't focus enough on becoming good teachers, and this could be a missed opportunity.
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In today's world, where people have numerous ways to earn money, jobs compete not just with other companies but with different options available to talent.
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To attract and retain talent, leaders should offer growth, opportunities, and learning, as these are key demands from talented individuals now.
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Improving leadership by becoming skilled teachers can be a strategic advantage in meeting the evolving expectations of employees.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing a focus on teaching skills if you want to attract and retain talented people. It doesn’t cost anything, but the payoff can be huge. Start by reflecting on your own communication style. Notice where you might not be clear or where others seem confused. Be honest about your weaknesses and look for simple guides or online resources to improve how you explain things.
A good way of doing this is by asking for feedback from your team or peers. You can have them tell you where they think you could be clearer or how you can explain tasks better. This will give you real-world insights into how you can improve.
Think about integrating regular learning opportunities for your team. This can be as simple as weekly discussions where everyone shares something they learned or a problem they solved. This doesn’t require money—only time and the willingness to listen and share.
Also, make sure you're creating an environment ripe for growth. People want jobs where they can learn and evolve. Encourage your team to set personal growth goals and discuss those regularly. This shows your commitment to their development and keeps them engaged.
Remember, today's talent pool has endless options. By becoming a skilled teacher, you can meet these high expectations and lead your team better. Just take small steps every day and keep improving.
