Employee development helps people improve their capabilities, performance, and professional growth through learning, experience, and support. It works best as a continuing practice rather than a single training event, adapting development to each person’s circumstances and aspirations. section 4.2 section 8.4.1
Practical development programs combine several activities:
- Hold regular one-on-ones and career discussions to understand goals, dissatisfaction, and changing interests. section 8.4.1
- Set stretch goals that connect individual aspirations with upcoming organizational challenges. section 8.4.1
- Provide strong onboarding and training in emerging technologies to build foundational knowledge and support continued upskilling. section 8.4.1
- Encourage internal mobility so employees can explore roles that better match their developing strengths and interests. section 8.4.1
A development-led role change
A senior engineer became less interested in coding exclusively. By identifying the reason for that dissatisfaction and supporting a move into senior technical program management, the manager aligned the employee’s role with their aspirations and helped prevent talent loss. section 8.4.1
