All employees can benefit from continued development, regardless of the role that they play in the organisation. Sure, not all companies are the same, and what works for one may not work for another. However, there are universal skills that everyone, regardless of which industry they belong to, can stand to improve. 

Below are the five areas that employees can skill up. 

  1. Leadership

Leadership is an important part of every business activity. Managers must exhibit leadership amongst their team and team members must also exhibit leadership within the group. Some people are lucky enough to be born leaders, while others need to work hard to become one.

But whether you are naturally born a leader or not, there are things you can practice in order to become a better leader. These include confidence, optimism, being a good example, and giving praises when needed. 

Companies can develop leadership among their employees by organising team-building events that allow employees to take charge of certain situations and encourage them to resolve issues within the team. Workers should also be encouraged to enrol in leadership courses and be a part of non-profit organizations and raise fundraising events.

  1. Creative Thinking 

Creative thinking is the ability to do something in a different way, such as in resolving conflicts and approaching problems within the workplace. Employees who can think creatively are more suitable to become a leader. In many ways, creativity can boost productivity in the workplace. Thus, companies that foster creativity can see more growth in revenue.

Employees will be more encouraged to think creatively if they are provided with a stimulating atmosphere and a diverse group of colleagues. Employers should always let their employees feel that their thoughts are valued and that individuality is well appreciated. The need for professional development is also the key to improving creative thinking skills in the workplace. 

  1. Growth Mindset 

Professor Carol Dweck from Stanford University has done extensive research regarding growth mindset. Although her work was originally focused on school children, it can apply to adults, too. She came to the conclusion that humans can either have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

People who have a growth mindset are permanently improving their intelligence and their ability to acquire new skills through personal and professional mindset courses, hard work, and perseverance. Employees who have this particular mindset can provide substantial benefits to the company. These are people who believe that learning should never stop and that failure is simply a means to move forward.

While those with a fixed mindset tend to go where less resistance is expected and would prefer to handle the easy stuff, people with a growth mindset tend to focus their attention on the most difficult parts. They would prefer to see the bigger picture and will not be knocked off their feet by some failures or setbacks.

  1. Management Training 

Management training refers to a training activity that focuses on improving a person’s skills as a manager and leader. This would require a skilled career like a software engineer in project management. Sometimes, there will be more emphasis on soft skills, such as empathy and communication that allow for better teamwork among the people being managed. 

Leadership skills, such as developing a broadminded style in engaging employees, may also be the focus in management training, although this is more appropriately called leadership training. Management training can also focus on the business side of the company, such as the manager reporting to senior leaders and can make skilled specialist employees like engineers more attractive to automation or control engineer recruiters who can find them managerial positions.

Management training is one of those development courses that employers should offer to their employees to help strengthen the business, as this is one way to hone the employees’ leadership skills. The management training courses often consist of programs that are designed to teach employees about new techniques and refine their basic management skills. By teaching employees to function more efficiently, the business can progress more effectively.

Employees who are feeling a bit lost after taking up a new position or after several decades of working on the same role will feel the need to keep on top of their game. By having them undergo management training, you can bring out the best in them while helping them to achieve their full potential.

  1. Decision Making

Although company leaders and business owners are often responsible for making a lot of decisions for the company, employees must also be encouraged to make decisions regardless of the role they play. Otherwise, the business could go stale from a lack of fresh ideas. By involving the staff in the decision-making process, the company can grow even stronger.

When you allow your employees to make decisions, it will show that you trust them. Even if you will only let them contribute inputs to help you to come up with the final decision, they will feel valued and appreciated. But you cannot just wait for employees to give their opinions. You must actively seek their advice and encourage them to voice out their ideas.

So how do you encourage employees to make decisions? Come up with a system where employees can freely give their opinions. This can come in the form of a suggestion box or perhaps, a designated email address where they can email their suggestions. But make sure you regularly check the box and open the email. Do not leave it unopened for a long period no matter how busy you are.

Try to respond by telling them how you appreciate their opinions/suggestions. If their idea is just not right at the time, make a note of it and explain why you are not using it at the moment. Be very careful about rejecting their ideas. If they notice that you never act on their suggestions, they might feel discouraged and will lose the motivation to work hard.

Team leaders should also be encouraged to conduct regular meetings where members will be encouraged to generate ideas and make decisions. Members should be made to feel that they are free to give their inputs and suggestions, especially on matters concerning their work.

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