A Synopsis About How to ‘Help Them Grow’

featuring Bev Kaye, Julie Winkle Giulioni, and Christy Kirk

Full video is available here.

During their LinkedIn Live event on September 18, Bev Kaye and Julie Winkle Giulioni discussed the updates to and key insights from the third edition of their book, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go. The conversation, hosted by Christy Kirk from Berrett-Koehler Publishers, delved into the evolving nature of career development conversations, the new tools included in the book, and how leaders can better support employee growth in today’s dynamic work environment. The book emphasizes a practical approach to career development, addressing the need for ongoing, intentional conversations rather than formal, one-time events. I thought this overview might be of interest.

A QUICK OVERVIEW:

Celebrating the third edition. Bev and Julie reflected on why they decided to release a third edition of "Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go," citing the evolving workplace and the need for updated strategies to address current career development challenges.

Why update a classic? Despite the book's continued relevance, the authors believed it was crucial to address the dramatic changes in the work environment over the past decade. They aim to provide fresh perspectives that match today's career development landscape, where engagement is at an 11-year low, and the nature of work is more complex and uncertain.

The essence of career conversations. The third edition redefines career development conversations, focusing on fluid, iterative discussions over formal, one-time meetings. The book provides managers with practical questions and tools to engage employees in these ongoing conversations.

Balancing organizational goals and employee growth. Bev and Julie stress the importance of balancing employee aspirations with the broader needs of the organization. They introduce their hindsight, foresight, and insight model to guide these conversations, encouraging leaders to consider past experiences, future trends, and current opportunities.

Addressing the shift to remote work. Recognizing the rise of remote and hybrid work, the authors added a new chapter on managing career development in a virtual environment. They emphasize intentionality and offer concrete actions for leaders to maintain development momentum despite physical separation.

The employee's role. Bev and Julie underscore that career development is not solely the manager's responsibility; employees must also take initiative. They advocate for employees to leverage their networks and seek feedback to aid in their growth.

AI's role in career development. While AI can assist in preparation, the authors highlight that it cannot replace the human touch required in career development conversations. They advocate for using AI to supplement, not replace, meaningful interactions.

Innovative book-bot. A notable addition in this edition is the "Help Them Grow Book Bot," an AI-powered tool designed to extend and elevate the reader’s experience. It acts as a thought partner and practice tool, helping managers prepare for conversations by generating potential questions, simulating practice scenarios, and offering brainstorming support. This resource is intended to make the concepts in the book more actionable in real-time.

ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS:

• Adopt an ongoing approach to career conversations: Shift from one-off career discussions to ongoing, iterative conversations to support continuous employee growth.
• Balance employee aspirations with organizational needs: Use the hindsight, foresight, and insight model to align individual goals with the organization's direction.
• Embrace remote career development: Develop intentional, structured approaches for career conversations in a virtual environment.
• Leverage the "Book Bot" for preparation: Utilize AI tools like the "Book Bot" to prepare for career conversations, enabling managers to practice and refine their approach.
• Encourage employee ownership of development: Motivate employees to take responsibility for their own growth by seeking feedback, networking, and actively participating in career conversations.

QUOTABLE QUOTES:

"Don't wait for the perfect time or until you get it perfectly. Be awkward, be uncomfortable, just be present for development."

~ Julie Winkle Giulioni

"Intentionality is the name of the game. Be purposeful, be deliberate, especially in a remote or hybrid work environment."

~ Bev Kaye

"The key to sustainable career development really is balancing individual aspirations and organizational to ensure reciprocity, mutuality, and win-win outcomes."

~ Julie Winkle Giulioni

"Managers need to encourage their people to knock on their door—whether it's a real door or a virtual one—when they need to chat."

~ Bev Kaye

"Vulnerability and openness from a manager can demonstrate a growth mindset and build a culture of learning around them."

~ Julie Winkle Giulioni

"AI can only do so much, but then it's up to the manager and the individual to have the human conversation."

~ Bev Kaye