Growth reshapes work and roles
Most organizations have growth as a core pursuit. And why not, growth brings opportunities for the company and its employees: more profit, higher wages and higher bonuses, more interesting work, opportunities for advancement. The question is the actual impact of a growing company on its employees and leaders.
Volume, complexity, and capability
Growth means workloads increase due to sheer volume. This leads to adding more employees, creating the need for more supervisors, managers, and executives. Existing roles change as more sophisticated customers come on board, and as more sophisticated tools, software, and processes are put in place. Every role in the company changes. For an employee to be successful in the new environment, they need to grow their capability and proficiency as fast as, or faster than, the company.
From supervision to management
Leadership training for new managers
This creates a challenge for managers to keep on top of matching employee proficiency with job requirements. The greatest change in job requirements may be for employees moving from hands-on supervision to actual management and leadership. Role requirements and job descriptions are as much a live and changing part of a company as its products, customers, and processes. Leadership training for new managers helps them understand the shift, set clear expectations, and support their teams through growth.
A practical focus for this month
Take the time and energy to ensure that your employees know what will make them successful over the coming year. Most importantly, ensure that your newly promoted leaders have the skills to understand the changing role requirements of their teams, and are equipped to provide the leadership, support, and training for a successful year.
- Clarify current role requirements and success measures.
- Review job descriptions as living documents.
- Provide leadership training for new managers, with coaching and practice.
- Align workloads, tools, and processes with capability.
- Schedule regular check-ins on proficiency and support needs.
