Great Managers Capitalize On Employees' Great Talents
Most people can remember a boss - or bosses - who stood out because he - or she - knew how to bring out the best in every one of his employees by noticing and catering to each person's strengths or "unique talents." According to Peter Bregman, in his article, Susan Boyle: A Lesson in Talent Management, being able to not only recognize but also accomodate each employee's talents is what makes a manager great.
Bregman used Susan Boyle as an example because everyone judged her talent based solely on her appearance - ordinary. The judges and the audience all dismissed her until she actually began to sing. Bregman suggests that there's a little Susan Boyle - and for that matter a little Simon Cowell - in all of us. We all have many talents, but haven't yet been presented with an opportunity to demonstrate them.
"Good managers help their employees succeed in whatever role they happen to be in. Great managers see the unique talents of each employee, and then create the role that's a perfect vehicle for those talents," says Bregman. "Great managers remove the obstacles that prevent their employees from unleashing their talent. And they make sure each employee has the right opportunities, the right stage, the right audience, to be fully appreciated."
He goes on to cite a study that showed a 31% increase of productivity in employees who worked for managers who provided "frequent recognition and encouragement."
Susan Boyle's voice coach, Fred O'Neil, is a great manager, Bregman says, because his main concern during all the brouhaha that ensued after Boyle's first, amazing performance was that she might not be able to find time to sing.
Whether a college student doing an internship or a recent graduate starting a new entry level job, every employee can thrive with a manager who recognizes their individual talents and finds ways to showcase them.
Leave a comment