Professional development is one of the most powerful and underutilized tools managers have to drive engagement and results. Yet, managers across organizations have significant room to improve the quality and frequency of employee development discussions. Our employee surveys tell us so. This becomes an even bigger issue as organizations become increasingly complex and depart from traditional performance review systems which drive many of the current conversations. Our job is to close the gap, but how?

Seek first to understand…

Learning professionals have long struggled with this challenge, but do we really understand the root causes? Are managers or employees simply unmotivated to have these discussions? Do they struggle with the skills to do it effectively? Do we have effective support systems that make it easier or harder for these discussions to take place? Do others encourage the behavior? Or, is it all of the above? Before jumping to more training or “requirements,” take a moment to diagnose the real issue to get to the biggest root cause(s).

At the College of American Pathologists we are pausing to diagnose before moving forward with additional learning solutions. In this interactive session we will share our approach to a “development discussion diagnostic,” followed by an opportunity to participate in a “learning community” diagnostic with participating ELE colleagues.