Why Is This a Supervisor Responsibility?
At Koch, we take a different approach to employee and career development than many organizations.
Because we treat employees as individuals, we do not subscribe to one-size-fits-all development programs and career paths.
While your employees ultimately “own” their development and career, you are an essential part of their journey. Helping your employees develop is your primary responsibility, not an afterthought!
What Does This Look Like in Practice?
Many will look at the below activities and see "Performance Management cycle." But simply managing performance isn't what supervising is all about.
We view the following activities as opportunities for supervisors to help employees develop so they can expand their contributions.
Discussing Role, Responsibilities and Expectations (RREs)
Work with each of your employees to define and individualize their role, and explore ways to develop along the way.
Providing Coaching and Feedback
Timely, ongoing coaching and feedback allows employees the opportunity to respond quickly, whether it is for something they are doing well or providing insights into something that must be improved.
Conducting Feedback Summaries
The purpose of the Feedback Summary is to provide a reality-based view of how your employee is doing, help them realize their potential, and motivate them to maximize future contribution.
Communicating Compensation
As a supervisor at Koch, you are uniquely positioned to recognize, reward and motivate your employees. Compensation is one way to do this.
Empowering Career Growth
Help your employees explore and discover new ways to expand their contributions, whether as part of your team, or in a new role or career.
Helping your employees realize their potential requires intentional engagement from you. You and your employee can utilize additional resources that are available to you, not just those listed above.
For example, fostering growth and career navigation can include:
- Learning new skills
- Taking on a stretch assignment
- Deepening knowledge
- Broadening experiences
- Changing roles
Fostering growth and career navigation means creating an environment where conversations about improving and developing are normal and natural. Both you and your employees should feel comfortable initiating discussions about their interests, development opportunities and goals. An employee looking for, or moving to a role where they can increase their contributions is a good thing!
What if an Employee Is Struggling?
Even high-performing, long-time employees can sometimes find themselves struggling in their role. It could be due to a variety of reasons, and your responsibility as a supervisor is to explore with your employee what might be causing them to underperform and help them improve.
As a supervisor, strive to create an open environment so employees are comfortable talking to you if they feel like they are struggling.
If an employee is contribution motivated but not performing well, they may be in the wrong role. Help the employee identify other roles within Koch where they might contribute more.
Unfortunately, there are times when the employment relationship is not mutually beneficial.
If, for any reason, the employment relationship does not work out, strive to part on good terms.
Right Person, Right Role
Chase Koch discusses the missed opportunities when an individual--especially a supervisor--is in the wrong role.
Give It a Try
Explore these resources to help you develop your knowledge and skills as a supervisor at Koch: