As a manager, one of your main responsibilities is to help your team members continue to grow in their careers. Focusing on expanding your employees’ knowledge and skills through professional development will not only make them better at their jobs, but it will also make them more engaged and invested in their work. Use the strategies below to create a culture of learning on your team.
Provide Training Opportunities
One of the most straightforward ways you can expand your team’s knowledge is by providing training opportunities. These could include sending employees to seminars, webinars, conferences, or workshops focused on relevant hard and soft skills. You can also bring in experts and speakers to do onsite training sessions. Consider covering the costs of these development opportunities, if possible, as an investment in your staff. Along with external training, look for internal training opportunities led by knowledgeable employees.
Support Professional Certifications
Encourage your staff to pursue professional certifications in their field. A professional development certificate allows employees to gain credentials that demonstrate their expertise. Offer to cover exam fees and study materials and give employees time off to study and sit exams. Completing certifications boosts your employees’ confidence and skills.
Assign Stretch Assignments
Giving your staff stretch assignments pushes them just beyond their comfort zones and asks them to rise to a challenge. Stretch assignments could involve leading a new project, writing an article related to their work, job shadowing other roles, or collaborating with other departments. Make sure to provide guidance and support as needed. Stepping outside their daily routines helps employees gain new skills.
Promote Internal Mobility
Enable employees to move between teams and departments in order to expand their organizational knowledge. When employees experience different roles and responsibilities, they gain a broader perspective and understanding. Promoting internal mobility also helps retain top talent by keeping them challenged and invested. Employees who want to eventually change roles can try out new teams on temporary assignments.
Offer Tuition Reimbursement
Some employees may be interested in taking academic classes relevant to their work through a local college or university. Offering tuition reimbursement shows that you’re willing to invest substantially in their growth. Be clear about what types of courses are eligible for reimbursement and what grades employees must achieve to qualify. Academic courses allow interested employees to study topics in-depth.
Start a Mentorship Program
Pair junior team members with more experienced employees who can serve as mentors. Mentors coach mentees on their career goals and share practical advice and knowledge. Mentorship programs provide structure for knowledge transfer between employees. Make sure mentors have training on how to be effective mentors. Schedule events where mentors and mentees can connect in person.
Host Lunch & Learns
During lunch & learn sessions, individual employees can present to the team on a work topic they’re knowledgeable about. The casual format encourages learning and collaboration. Employees will improve their presentation skills while sharing their expertise. Consider bringing in guest speakers for some sessions. Lunch & learns expose staff to new ideas relevant to their roles.
Helping your employees continuously expand their skills and knowledge will empower them to make meaningful contributions to your team. Provide a mix of training opportunities, stretch assignments, internal mobility, and programs like mentorships. A culture focused on professional development will lead to innovation and growth.
