Organisations are often complex places, made up of many different teams and departments. A career pathway is the route that an employee takes through an organisation, from their initial joining point to their eventual exit.
There are many different types of career pathways, and each organisation will have its own unique set of pathways depending on the structure of the organisation and the nature of the work that it does. However, there are some common features that all career pathways share.
A career pathway should provide employees with a clear understanding of the route that they can take through an organisation. It should be designed to help employees progress in their careers, and to identify opportunities for development and advancement.
A good career pathway will also take into account an employee’s individual skills, strengths and interests, and match them to the right roles within the organisation. This helps to ensure that employees are able to make the most of their talents and that they are happy in their work.
What should your organisation be doing?
Giving your employee’s a career development plan
Organisations should give their employees a career development plan to help them reach their long-term goals. By setting clear targets and providing regular feedback, employees can stay on track and motivated. A career development plan also shows that the organisation is committed to supporting its staff and helping them grow. This can boost morale and employee retention.
Creating a career development plan is not difficult, but it does require some time and effort. The first step is to sit down with each employee and discuss their goals. Once these have been identified, you can start putting together a plan of action. This may include training courses, job shadowing or mentorship programmes. Regular reviews will help to ensure that the plan is working and that employees are making progress.
While some staff members may be hesitant to put their goals in writing, doing so can help to keep them accountable. It can also be useful to have a record of what has been achieved. A career development plan is an important tool for both employees and employers. When used correctly, it can lead to greater success for everyone involved.
Don’t forget to revisit your career development plan on a regular basis and make changes as needed. Your goals may change over time, and it’s important to adjust your plan accordingly. Remember, your career development plan is a living document that should be updated as you move through your professional journey.
Create leadership opportunities for your team
There are many good reasons why organisations should give their employees leadership opportunities. Doing so can help to build a more effective and cohesive team, while also providing individuals with the chance to develop their skills and grow within the company.
Leadership roles can challenge employees to think creatively and work collaboratively, which can lead to increased productivity and improved problem-solving abilities. Giving employees the chance to step into leadership positions can also motivate them to perform at their best and stay with the organisation for longer. Organisations that invest in their employees’ development are more likely to reap the benefits in the form of improved performance and higher levels of employee engagement, and making sure your best workers stay with you instead of jumping at an opportunity with a competitor!
Promote lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. It means taking advantage of opportunities to learn new things and expanding your skills and knowledge throughout your life.
There are many benefits to lifelong learning, both personally and professionally. Personally, it can help you stay sharp and mentally engaged as you age. It can also make you more well-rounded and give you a sense of satisfaction. Professionally, lifelong learning can help you keep up with changes in your field, learn new skills, and advance your career.
Lifelong learning is important in the workplace because it helps employees stay current in their field and be better prepared for change. It also helps employers invest in their most valuable asset—their employees.
Some ways that organisations can promote lifelong learning for their employees include investing in employee development programs, bringing in guest speakers, or working with institutions to offer courses or programs. Organisations can create an environment that supports lifelong learning by providing resources such as books, articles, online courses, or webinars. It’s important to encourage employees to participate in lifelong learning, you could do this by offering rewards or recognition for those who take advantage.
Lifelong learning is one of the keys to success in today’s workplace. By taking advantage of opportunities to learn new things and expanding your skills and knowledge, you can stay sharp, keep up with change, and be prepared for whatever the future may bring.
The long story, short
A career development plan is a great way to take control of your professional future. By setting goals and outlining a path to achieving them, you can ensure that your team is on track to achieving their dreams.
Organisations need to care about their employees because happy and engaged employees are more productive, and they’re usually more likely to stay with the organisation.
Caring for employees demonstrates respect and appreciation, two essential ingredients for building a strong workplace culture. When organisations take the time to show they care about their employees, it sends a powerful message that everyone in the company matters.
If you want to learn more about how Whole Brain® Thinking and the HBDI® can help you and your organisation, have a look at how it works here or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right solution.
