How to Track Your Teams’ Professional Goals
Posted September 27th, 2016
As a manager, you likely have a strong grip of the goals set by your organization, and the goals you have you’re your team. But, how much do you know about your teams goals? Not the goals set by their job, but they goals they hold close to their heart regarding the progression of their career.
By understanding the professional goals of your team members, you have the ability to integrate those interests into their daily work. This can benefit morale and lead to stronger performances across the board. To help your team reach their goals, consider the following tips for tracking them.
Start with a Conversation
To support the goals of your team, you will need to know what those goals are. What is the easiest way to get that information? Consider asking.
Getting to know the people on your team can provide indications as to what truly motivates them to succeed, and where they would like to be in the future. By taking an interest, you show that their success matters to you as well. This helps you function as a team in regards to reaching those goals.
To break the ice, consider sharing your goals first. This helps start the dialogue and helps instill trust. If a team member isn’t ready to discuss their goals, table the discussion until later. Over time, they may feel more comfortable sharing this information with you.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
The easiest way to find out about their goals is to ask the right questions. Stay to open ended questions instead of those that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
For example, consider asking one of the following:
- Do you have specific goals for your career?
- Do you feel the organization is helping you reach your overall career goals?
- Given the choice, what would you change about your current position to align it more with your career goals?
The idea is to create an open dialogue. By asking thoughtful questions, you have the opportunity to learn a great deal about what your team values. Additionally, you may find an opportunity to help a team member work in a way that aligns them better with their vision for the future of their career.
Goals Outside of Their Current Career Field
During the conversation, a team member may reveal a career goal that has nothing to do with their current line of work. Maybe it involves a different department, organization, or a completely different job field. While this may feel disheartening, it is actually an excellent opportunity.
A person’s goals do not have to line up with their objective today for you to offer them assistance. If their ideal job is in another department, consider introducing them to key players. This can help your employee to find out what it takes to enter the line of work. If your organization has a mentorship or training program, consider helping your team member get enrolled.
Even if their aspirations lie somewhere else, maintaining a supportive environment will make them feel more positively about the work they do today. The simple boost in morale may reap significant dividends, as they know their goals are respected regardless of where they lie.
Here at Bayside Solutions, our goal is to find the right employees to me your needs. Contact us today to see how we can make your goals a reality.
