Having worked as an engineering leader for several years, I’ve realized that behind every success story, there’s a harmonious symphony of dedicated individuals collaboratively weaving the tapestry of achievement. Today, we’re diving deeper into professional development, a topic that resonates with everyone, irrespective of our roles or industries.
A recent discussion I was part of threw an exciting light on career goals and professional development plans. The debate took an intriguing turn when we started debating about the manager’s role in these plans. The comment was similar to “If I’m responsible for the majority of my growth and self-management, what exactly is my manager’s role? What added value do they provide in this process?”
The Manager and the Individual Development Plan (IDP)
In response to the question, let’s clarify the manager’s role in the professional development process. It’s essential to understand that while the manager acts as a guide, the individual is the main driving force for professional growth.
The manager’s role is multifaceted. They engage with their team members, understanding their career ambitions, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and stimulating self-awareness. The process of extracting this information can be intricate and time-consuming as it hinges on the level of trust between the manager and the team member and the individual’s openness to share their aspirations and perspectives.
Creating a development plan aligning personal ambitions with company goals takes time. Managers also need to balance direct and indirect contributions to the professional growth of their team members. For instance, if a report aspires to become a manager, the manager can help by outlining the company’s expectations for a manager’s role, identifying areas for development, and setting goals that will drive the report to gain experience in specific areas.
Keep in mind that a manager may not always have the necessary experience to support every aspect of an individual’s professional development. Still, they should guide the individual to the right mentor. For example, if an engineer wants to strengthen their front-end skills but their manager has a background in back-end technologies, it would be best to connect them with a more experienced front-end engineer. If the individual wants to learn more about customer health scores, maybe someone from the CX team is more eligible to help.
The Individual’s Responsibility in Their Professional Development
While a manager’s role is significant in this process, it’s essential to understand that the individual plays an equally, if not more, vital role. Even the most proactive manager can only devise an effective growth plan if the individual shares the necessary information.
As individuals, we need to take charge of our growth, seek guidance, and be open to learning from different sources. This doesn’t absolve the manager of their role but instead highlights the importance of a symbiotic relationship where the manager guides, supports, and facilitates while the individual actively pursues their development.
Navigating the Path Forward
To sum up, a manager’s contribution to professional development is direct and indirect, tangible and intangible. They facilitate growth, help set the course, and support when needed. Yet, it’s ultimately up to the individual to steer their career ship. This delicate balance calls for a healthy relationship and clear expectations between managers and their team members.
Remember, professional development is a shared responsibility, a dance where the manager and the individual move in harmony, each understanding and playing their part in creating a beautiful performance. Managers can provide the music, guide the steps, and offer a steady hand, but it’s up to the individual to embrace the rhythm, learn the moves, and take the lead on the dance floor of their professional growth.
Let’s navigate this path together, fostering an environment where managers and individuals work in tandem, each playing their roles effectively. As you traverse your career path, be open to learning, seeking help, and sharing your aspirations and goals with your manager. After all, they can only assist you effectively by understanding where you want to go.
An Ecosystem of Growth
Understand that a company is an ecosystem of learning and growth, period! There might be times when you need guidance beyond your manager’s expertise. It’s during these times that you can tap into the vast knowledge pool within the organization. Your manager’s role here is to help you identify the right person to guide you in those areas. A scenario like this shouldn’t be interpreted as: “I can’t help you with that; good luck.” Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity to learn from different individuals and gain a broader perspective.
Imagine a scenario where your manager says, “I might not be the best person to help you with front-end development, but Jenna is an expert in that area. Let me talk to her, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” This ideal response sets you on the right path without making Jenna solely responsible for your professional growth.
Professional development is a shared journey of growth, exploration, and continuous learning. The expectation isn’t for managers to entirely shoulder the responsibility of crafting their team members’ IDPs. Instead, they should act as supportive guides and catalysts for growth. The real accountability for professional development lies with the individuals themselves. It’s about self-discovery, active involvement in planning and goal setting, and seeking the right mentorship.
In essence, professional development is akin to a ship’s journey. As an individual, you’re the captain of your ship. Your manager is your trusted navigator, helping you chart the course and avoid potential obstacles. However, the ship sails forward on your command. The combined effort of the captain and navigator is what ensures a successful journey.
The secret to unlocking the full potential of professional development lies in understanding the shared responsibility between the manager and the individual. This understanding lays the foundation for a fruitful relationship, fostering an environment that encourages growth, learning, and, ultimately, success. Take the reins of your professional development, embrace the support from your manager, and make the most of your journey to achieve your career aspirations!