Understanding and Investing in Your Developer Talent

On this Theme Thursday Season 4 webcast, Jim Collison, Gallup's Director of Talent Sourcing, and Maika Leibbrandt, Senior Workplace Consultant, talk about Developer.

The essence of Developer is noticing potential, spotting signs of progress in others, and deriving satisfaction from evidence of growth. It is being drawn to people based on what they can become. Individuals with Developer help curate experiences that lead to improvement.

When Developer is at its best they are accepting of others. It's the idea that Developers themselves are hopeful and the effect that has on other people is that it can create teams full of hope. It's the natural ability to say tomorrow is going to be better than today which can be a powerful motivating factor. Individuals with high Developer bring patience to the team, especially when they're dealing with inexperience because they are not stuck on where we have been or where we're at today, rather where we are going. Developers are thoughtful and smart about how to configure winning contributors and effective teams. Developer is about the belief that every person we encounter is on the pathway to getting better.

Look for opportunities to be out loud encouraging. Other people aren't going to notice the incremental growth that you notice so celebrate in a way that gets noticed. You see not just what is but what can be, so share that both on a social level and on a project level. On a social level this refers to what a person can become. On a project level means how we can make our product, service, and teamwork better. Search for opportunities when your primary role is having responsibility for facilitating growth of others. Look for opportunities to teach, to coach, and to manage people.

Ask people about their goals and strengths. You're going to be better if you aren't just reaching for places where people could get better and land together on where the most energy for development already lies. An environment that allows time on purpose for recognition is a rich environment for people with developer. You're going notice growth, so permission or a platform to recognize that growth will be a benefit for everyone.

Worry less about who you are not. Developers don't tend to be selective with praise. Worry less about being that person who is only holding out for excellence when you praise somebody. All growth is good growth to you. Worry less about being okay with the phrase, "It is what it is." You can't help but see potential for improvement, so don't dampen your drive for improvement or change.

When working with Developer you can expect patience. People with developer are patient with other people. You can expect forward-looking focus, not stuck on where we are, but always asking what can be and how can we get a little bit better. Expect that encouragement is going to matter to them. It might look like acceptance of lower performance, but you should see this as investment, engagement, and interest.

Notice and recognize when they've helped other people to perform. Look for ways to recognize them by saying things like, "They couldn't have hit that target without your support" or "You saw this in me before I did." Speak developer language, and spot small signs of improvement. Don't wait until something is complete to recognize it because chances are the moment has passed for Developer.

In order to stretch Developer, give them opportunities to coach, mentor, or teach others without over prescribing what needs to happen, leave the "how to" up to them. Help them hone their ability to recognize and praise others and to look at recognition as a skill. Offer feedback on great recognition by being specific, individualized, genuine, and now.

When partnering with Developer, don't let them hang on too long to chronic underperformers. It can be a vulnerability of Developers, they can always see that people can get better. If someone is not going to work out in a certain role, don't hand them to a Developer. Have some open lines of conversation of where the greatest potential for growth can be and have the Developer focus there. Demonstrate investment in the relationship with that person by sharing your goals and priorities and letting them partner with you.

If Developer is one of your Dominant Themes, invest in it this week through the following challenge items:

• Study the 5 Clues to Talent and select 1 to watch for in others.
• Count the number of people you're currently helping reach a goal; then increase it by 3.
• Write a note of recognition to someone recognizing their improvement.

If Developer is not one of your dominant themes, invest in it this week through the following challenge items:

• Focus on 1 important relationship: What does this person do better today than they did a year ago? Tell them.
• You may be more inclined to challenge others than encourage others. Notice how you do both, and name a time when each is appropriate.