Connect Winter 2016 | Page 10

59 % of employees say they can “ grow and develop ” at their organization , up from only 44 % in Spring of 2013 ( Modern Survey )

Mapping Worker Success to Drive Innovation and Create Impact

Setting goals allows individual workers to identify their strengths and remain engaged in business operations at a higher level — each of which ultimately translates into increased productivity for the organization . So what ’ s the best framework for setting relevant yet challenging goals ?

Performance reviews certainly have their place , particularly when it comes to compensation . But a more proactive framework is success profiling , which seeks to bring individuals , training , and workplace roles into alignment .
The reality is that companies often recruit talent without identifying future skill needs or the context in which to develop the recruit . Rather than simply itemizing responsibilities , success profiles guide performance by mapping the mindsets , skills , and core competencies that are required to deliver designated outcomes . As part of this , employees are also encouraged to proactively identify new ways to acquire and apply technical knowledge — driving the potential for further innovation .
These profiles , then , describe both what the role is and how to do it by drilling into all of its layers . In doing so , it addresses a few key questions . What does success look like in this individual ’ s overall professional career ? How will this individual relate and communicate with different leadership levels , functions , and remote offices ? And finally , how will this individual actually enable the company to stay ahead of its competitors ?
MAKING IT PERSONAL From Business Strategy to Individual Goals Taking this perspective when mapping out an employee ’ s role supports the implementation of the company ’ s overall business strategy . By helping employees to see and understand how to apply their skills in order to progressively achieve the business ’ over-arching goals — the clear mandate for all company employees — this profile supports employee development and success in such a way that promotes broader business success .
MAKING IT USEFUL Helping Employees to Forge Career Pathways At the same time , such profiling is also a significant career-long training and development aid .
That ’ s because it can also function as a benchmark for employees , both identifying and recognizing what they ’ ve learned and detailing how they can apply new knowledge , interests , skills , and mindsets going forward .
MAKING IT MEANINGFUL The Connection to
Company Culture This type of profiling has a soft side too . It also helps keep employees connected to , and remain anchored in , a company ’ s culture . More than needing individuals who possess technical qualifications , a business needs flexible talent who can embody , and excel within , its culture . It needs workers who will embrace its core values , contribute to social responsibility initiatives , be good team players , influence decision-makers , and collaborate in unexpected yet vital ways . For this reason , it ’ s critical to make success profiling and skills assessment an integral part of the process from the beginning of an employee ’ s exposure to your company . One simple way to do this is to encourage job candidates to research your culture , mission , and values , asking them to share how their career background and personal values may overlap with them . Sterling National Bank can provide the support you need to help your business innovate and grow . Contact your relationship manager today . Call 855.274.2800 .
10 | SNB . COM // CONNECT CULTURE WINTER 2016