Creating a Culture of Growth: How Fostering Employee Development Leads to Business Success

Want to be a leader who positions their people to build a wildly successful organization? Want to be the leader that employees commit to, love working for, and are always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of the organization? Want accountability in your team, insane profits on the bottom line, and a reputation in the industry of being THE company to work for?

Here are the six ways of thinking and the six barriers to being able to have it all as a leader of your organization.

1. Practice empathy: Start by developing a deep sense of empathy for your employees. Try to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. Show them that you care about their well-being beyond the work they do for the company.

2. Lead with integrity: Your employees look up to you as a leader. Set an example by leading with integrity, honesty, and transparency. This will earn their trust and respect, and they will be more likely to follow your lead.

3. Foster a culture of growth: Create an environment where employees are encouraged to learn, grow, and develop their skills. Offer training, mentorship, and coaching opportunities to help them reach their full potential. This will not only benefit them but also benefit the company as a whole.

4. Listen actively: As a leader, you may have a lot on your plate, but it's important to take the time to listen actively to your employees. Encourage them to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns openly. This will help you understand their perspectives better and make informed decisions.

5. Recognize and reward: Acknowledge the hard work and contributions of your employees. Celebrate their successes, recognize their achievements, and reward them appropriately. This will help them feel valued and appreciated and motivate them to continue doing their best work.

6. Create a sense of purpose: Help your employees understand how their work contributes to the company's overall mission and purpose. This will give them a sense of meaning and purpose and motivate them to work towards a shared goal.

From Ego to Empathy: The Mindset Shift Every Leader Needs to Create a People-First Workplace

There are several ways of thinking that can get in the way of a leader putting their people first and operating in a way that values their employees. Some of these include:

1. Ego: Leaders may struggle with ego and put their own interests ahead of their employees. They may believe that they alone know what's best for the company and fail to listen to the ideas and feedback of their employees. 

2. Short-term thinking: Leaders may be focused on short-term goals and results, which can lead them to prioritize profits over the well-being of their employees. This can result in a lack of investment in employee development, low morale, and high turnover.

3. Lack of trust: Leaders may not trust their employees to make decisions or take on responsibilities, which can lead to micromanaging and a lack of empowerment. This can stifle creativity and innovation and prevent employees from reaching their full potential.

4. Fear of vulnerability: Leaders may be hesitant to show vulnerability or admit when they're wrong, which can prevent them from taking feedback or learning from mistakes. This can create a culture of fear and blame, where employees are afraid to speak up or take risks.

5. Lack of self-awareness: Leaders may not be aware of their own biases or blind spots, which can prevent them from seeing the value of their employees' perspectives. This can lead to a lack of diversity and inclusion in decision-making and a culture that is not inclusive or welcoming to all.

It's important for leaders to recognize these barriers and work to overcome them to create a culture that values and empowers their employees. This requires self-reflection, a willingness to learn and grow, and a commitment to putting people first.

How many traits in the first list do you master? How many in the second list show up in how you think and operate.

By putting your people first, valuing them, and letting them make the company wildly successful, you'll not only create a positive and fulfilling work environment, but also foster a culture of growth and success for the company as a whole.