The workplace is a very interesting ecosystem because it brings together people from different socio-economic strata with different aspirations and objectives together and they share a joint responsibility of meeting business objectives. These business objectives in turn result in value for the company and some form of validation for the employees.
That being said, in the course of getting things done and meeting business objectives, a lot is usually left unsaid. It is required that Management puts in place a system where employees’ growth and development can be measured. Appraisals are good, but what’s more important is that the employee must have an active role in their growth and development.
A manager can build up a subordinate’s capacity, capability and competence by deliberately assigning certain tasks which over time give the employee the courage to take certain steps and make certain decisions within his/her purview to achieve business goals and objectives much faster.
“It is therefore critical that managers play the roles of teacher, trainer, coach, mentor, counsellor, connector and facilitator to help their subordinates blossom on the job.” These varied roles when played by the manager will bring out the best in each subordinate.
We shall be exploring the roles of teacher, trainer and mentor in this piece.
- Teachers: They are usually hands on and are consoled when they see gains made by those they have taken on. Teaching requires patience as mistakes are bound to occur during the learning curve. Over time the employee gradually builds up his/her knowledge base, while competence and skill increase. The major advantage is that people who have been shaped by a teacher usually understand what it takes for others to learn and are usually more understanding of the needs of others who were once in their shoes.
- Trainers: They believe in consistent practice and repetition through which mastery is achieved. As such a trainer will not just tell you how to get it done but will often show how such tasks are done. This also gives the employee the necessary confidence to assess situations and fashion strategies accordingly. Pretty much how exercise expands one’s capacity, you often find that mastery of one task influences the next learning experience–positively reinforces if you will.
- Mentors: Mentors on the other hand usually give of their time and express a genuine interest in their subordinates. It also helps to have a firm grasp of their core competencies as they essentially should be role models someone starting out their career can emulate. Certain things are only learnt when there is a measure of proximity and intimacy, which is one reason mentoring does not work from afar. It is the most deliberate of the relationships highlighted in this article.
Wishing you all the best.
