The importance of seeing differences

As a manager, you likely understand that no two employees have exactly the same developmental needs. However, you may not know the critical role differentiating between employees—in terms of their performance and potential—plays in the success of your organization.

Distinguishing among employees allows you to:

• Appropriately address performance expectations. What is a realistic expectation for one employee may not be for another, even if they share the same job title.
• Draft suitable developmental plans. While some employees may need only stretch goals to provide them on-the-job challenges, others may need goals directed at improving their performance.
• Help direct reports manage their careers. Tailoring a development program to suit the specific needs of individual employees helps to maximize their chances of success in the workplace in both their current and future jobs.
• Better build a foundation for your organization's success. Knowing who your top performers are helps your organization focus its retention efforts.