How do I find out the skills, talents and values of my direct reports?"
How else? Ask! Okay, that may be a bit simplistic and misleading, as some people may answer a direct question with what they aspire to, vs. reality. The key here is to ask a series of questions that allow a theme to unfold. Questions like…
# What has been your favorite job or assignment and why?
# If you think about your favorite supervisor, mentor or coach (and it’s okay that it’s not me…), what did you like about working with them?
# Describe a work or life experience where you felt very engaged in the activity. What about it made it engaging for you?
# What accomplishment or situation are you most proud of, at work or outside of work – and why?
# What do people tell you that you are good at? -- particularly those things that you respond to with “Oh, so what…” (Our genius or talent is often that which we think, “If I can do this easily, it can’t be that special…)
Feedback the themes you hear and check your assumptions. Ask your team member how they are using these in their current job, and how they would like to use them further. Then you will be on your way to knowing how to better utilize the skills and abilities of your employees, and they’ll end up more productive as they enjoy their work even more.
NOTE: And you can clarify your own strengths and values by using these questions too...!
Copyright 2005-2006, Mary C. Schaefer. All rights reserved.
Mary Schaefer is President and Lead Consultant for Artemis Path, LLC. She holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management and is certified as an HR Professional (PHR). Mary’s 20 years of experience in industry, most recently as an HR manager, allows her to effectively coach you as a supervisor, small business owner or employee, on how to get along better at work! You can find more information about how Mary can help you at
http://www.artemispath.comWhile you are there, check out how the expanded, 14-page eworkbook version of the Ten Ways to Survive Your Current Job can help you!!
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