Times of crises have shown us that people are your most valuable asset. 

Here’s why taking an active interest in their personal development can help you better support and motivate your employees.

Star candidates gravitate towards workplaces that see their people as humans, not functionaries

For growing companies to future-proof themselves for the decades ahead, their leaders must demonstrate that they value their employee’s dreams, interests, and well-being just as much as the organisation’s bottom line.

Why the 1:1s of tomorrow are personal AND professional

1. Recognising the bigger picture makes your people feel more supported

Talking about your people’s personal goals acknowledges that they have lives and aspirations beyond the workplace. 

What are their passions? Is there a side project they’re eager to finish this year?

When they see that you care deeply and take their interests into account, they’ll feel more inspired in and out of work!

2. You’ll understand your employee’s ‘why’

“If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, we need to understand our why.”

– Simon Sinek

As a leader, you have the role of acting as a “sense maker” for your people. 

Coach them through conversations that will help them reflect on what they want to achieve, both personally and professionally. Doing so can help you (and them!) connect the dots and fuel excitement towards their role.

3. It helps them stay engaged

The best way to nurture and retain top performers is to relate their personal development to the organisation’s overarching goals. 

This makes their roles more meaningful and reminds them that the work they do matters and is actively contributing to their personal goals. 

4. Listening deeper helps you create an aligned roadmap for your employees

Tailor projects and responsibilities to suit each person’s goals. Do they dream of being a better public speaker? Perhaps you could assign them to host your next virtual event. Listening to their personal and professional motivations will help you drive a deeper sense of fulfilment in the workplace.

At Exelero, we are relentlessly people-focused. 

We see our employees as the driving force behind our success. That means listening deeper and going the extra mile for them, too!

Want more articles like this? Sign up 4to our ‘People as Humans’ newsletter and join 500+ CEOs, HR & Business Leaders of leading companies around the world!

Written on February 19, 2021