The buzz around “quiet quitting” has taken the workplace by storm, sparking debates about its validity and impact.
Oh my, this buzz around “quiet quitting” has taken up the workplace more than I want and I’m sure you would agree as a leader. There are many debates around this. How is this making an impact? Well, I would say it's not for the better. Surely, trends pass but I believe it’s a wakeup call to those deeper workplace issues. Listen, people on your team are sadly doing the bare minimum to get by because they don't see a reason to go beyond anything else. This isn’t just about meeting expectations; it’s about unmet promises, lack of support, and missed opportunities for growth.
As business leaders, we have a choice! Are you ready to dismiss it all together to make sure you have a great team in a great workplace? I would hope so! You have to be willing to foster an environment where your team feels valued, supported and invested in.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how prioritizing team development, creating a positive workplace culture, and investing in professional growth can transform disengaged teams into thriving, high-performing powerhouses. Let’s dive in and uncover how to build a workplace where everyone is motivated to do their best—not just the bare minimum.
Why is Team Development Important?
If you have been here long enough, I’m always saying I’m on a mission to humanize the workplace and it's not just some fluff, it's because I am. Listen, you hire people for a reason but going back to the quiet quitting, this is how you can change this. When you’re looking to hire new team members, you want to attract them, of course but you want to keep them. I mean I would hope so. This article here states 59% of millennials thrive on development. I hope this is for all generations. (runs to go ask everyone) But in all seriousness, wouldn't you want your team to thrive?
So, when you’re ready to bring on new talent, think of the things you do right now in business and ask yourself: “Would someone want to work here based on what is offered?”
Now that you’ve attracted your new hire and onboard them, how will you retain these people? By doing what you said in the hiring process and when you onboard them. Wouldn't it suck to order some great food, and your server brings you cold food? I mean, you just ordered a cheeseburger, it should not be cold. Don't make empty promises just to get people in the door.
Team development is when your team is continuously learning new skills and getting better at existing ones. Of course, when you hire a new team member, you want them to have such skills, but I have a question for ya? Are you willing to help your team members learn new skills? Are you willing to sit down with them when they have questions? I know many companies hire and give probationary time but what if you actually took the time? Because you would be surprised. Done right, ongoing education is mutually beneficial for everyone involved.
Don't forget that when you continue team development and the importance, this happens:
Attract Top Talent
Retain Team Members
Team Engagement Improves
Improves Business Performance
Enhanced Productivity: How Team Development Drives Performance
You want everyone on your team to be productive but how can this happen? Sure, you want the most out of your team but simply saying someone is productive because they’re at their desk or online does not determine how productive they are?
First let's figure out what team productivity really means: It's a measure of how team members are reaching business goals and completing tasks. But you have to remember everyone works at a different pace than others. So, at times it can be measured on what is being done but it’s measured in the fact of the end result. Sure, you need a timeline but giving the flexibility to your team and an open-door policy, productivity will be on the rise.
Given this information, how can you improve your team's productivity?
How to Prioritize Team Engagement in the Workplace
When I say this, I’m not talking about micromanaging because we don't do that. Engagement will help with making the team members feel seen, heard, and valued. As mentioned before, you hire someone for a reason. When you delegate a task to someone, how excited are they? How committed are they? Are you implementing a personal and professional development plan? Are you allowing your team to voice concerns and provide feedback? All these questions help determine if your team is engaged.
How to Provide Recognition in the Workplace
First, let's get rid of pizza parties, sure keep them but this is not the way to show recognition. When you show recognition, this is a powerful motivator to contribute to productivity. There needs to be a workplace culture where the leader is showing recognition. This can happen in a group setting or quick message. You want to make sure those that are showing they care; they’re recognized for their efforts. Support goes a long way even if it’s small.
How to Improve the Work Environment with Team Development
I see this saying a lot regarding that your “boss” has more of an impact on your life than anyone else. I mean, it’s true. I can’t tell you how much I despised my management team when I was working in corporate and it made a great impact on my personal life, as I was tied to these people forever. But if you can have a positive workplace environment, this can make the difference; make or break your business. Leaders have to be better and humanize the workplace. You want to ensure your team members are successful by helping them be set up for success.
Practice Clear Communication
Communication is the number one skill in any relationship no matter what. If there's no communication, then what's left? More likely a big heap of a mess you don't want to deal with.
Communication has to be effective and clear because it's going to lay the foundation of everything. When you explain to your team the goals and expectations, your team will have a better grasp on their responsibilities.
Never stop communicating!
How professional development can boost team engagement and performance
So, you want to hire the right team members and help your team with growth and success? Sure, the workplace can be challenging and complex but you, too, have to be willing to put in the effort. By building a positive and satisfied workplace, there needs to be change. This looks like having a place where you implement a professional development plan. This means that you’re offering ongoing education to your team to help them grow their skills further. It's not only about technical skills but also includes working on soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and leadership.
This looks like:
Workshops: Events that offer in-depth training on a specific topic or skill
Conferences: These are multi day events that feature speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
Online courses: Classes that are completed online
Coaching and mentoring: These are one on one opportunities for your team members and are personalized to them
On job training: Learning new areas
And so much more which will help your team grow!
Investing in Personal and Professional Growth
Investing in team development is not just about improving skills; it's about driving the long-term growth and success of your business. When you invest in your team’s personal and professional growth, you foster a culture of productivity, creativity, and satisfaction that leads to tangible results, including improved performance, higher team retention, and a stronger bottom line.
By prioritizing team development, you’re not only empowering your employees to excel but also setting your business up for sustainable success.
Start today by exploring our services to support your team's development and unlock your business's full potential.
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