Embracing the Growth Catalyst: The Value of Promoting Staff into New Roles Before They're Fully Ready

“In our working world, there’s a prevalent notion that employees need to check all the boxes and meet every requirement before they can be considered for a promotion.

However, I believe deeply that promoting staff into roles and responsibilities before they are quite ready can be an invaluable catalyst for growth, both for the individual and the organization as a whole.”

As the pandemic finally began to slow, another significant challenge began to take hold.  This one was a different kind of “disease” that corporate America was quick to name…the “great resignation”. Our culture has a knack for naming something in dramatic fashion…especially when it is an easy cover-up for a larger systemic issue that challenges the “traditional American way." Naming it this, placed the onus for this problem on those “disloyal and ungrateful employees who were seeing the “grass as greener” elsewhere.”...definitely not on the workplace cultures in our society that have been unwilling to change their ways, have not considered the innovative actions they take to value their employees. This blame shift was the result of a work culture that struggled to simply acknowledge the world had actually changed. Humans whose whole worlds were upended showed up at the other end of the pandemic with re-centered values, a greater understanding of the value of their work, and the unspeakable…a renewed importance for their lives outside of work.  

As the manager of a large staff and multiple departments, this challenge quickly hit home for me.  It was also compounded by the fact that I work in a field not necessarily known for its pay increases, bonus structures or creativity in rewarding staff accomplishments. I, like many others, faced some difficult leadership decisions. However, my experience told me there was a different way than to just watch talented employees walk out the door.  

My Lesson

The most valuable lesson I have learned in all of my professional career came when I was a young, inexperienced staff member.  I had talent and I was willing to learn and ask questions.  I was sure that if I was given the opportunity to advance that I would rise to the challenge, but I didn’t expect it to happen.  I just kept showing up, offering my support to different projects, and doing the best that I could for the organization. In a lot of organizations, this would have been viewed as great performance, but still "too green...not the typical 3-5 years of experience we would look for in an external search." However, I was fortunate. I worked in an incredibly human-centered culture that valued professional growth and mentorship to its core. And in that environment, an experienced manager in my organization saw me…she saw my value, my raw, moldable talent, and my work ethic.  And she did more than just see it, she acted upon what she saw.  She promoted me early…way before I checked all the boxes. And then she set forth a vision and a plan that would give me tracks to run on toward my own and our organization’s success.  20+ years later, I look back on that one decision, that one person who was willing to take a calculated risk on me, as the moment I am the most grateful for professionally. It became the clear foundation on which my self-confidence, motivation, and drive grew exponentially. What she doesn't realize is that a a result of that opportunity, over my career, I have made a commitment to taking that same calculated early risk on countless other young professionals...what a ripple effect her singular decision created!

With that formative experience in my own past, here is what I know to be true. In our working world, there's a prevalent notion that employees need to check all the boxes and meet every requirement before they can be considered for a promotion. However, I believe deeply that promoting staff into roles and responsibilities before they are quite ready can be an invaluable catalyst for growth, both for the individual and the organization as a whole. It's time more leaders and organizations break from conventional thinking about years of experience, hierarchical titles, and “paying one’s dues first” and instead explore the potential benefits that lie within this more contemporary approach of promoting people before they are fully ready and watching them rise to the occasion with deep mentorship and support.

The Benefits

Seeing human potential for what it is, identifying the strengths and skills team members offer, and then finding creative ways to put your belief and support fully behind their next steps - that is what cultivating talent and leadership thrives on. I want to offer a few benefits worth considering if you are a manager with diverse, talented team members who you wish to retain and if you are truly committed to the success of your people and your organization.

First, promoting employees early often ignites a fire of ambition within them. It challenges them to step outside their comfort zones, compelling them to stretch their limits and develop new skills. This sense of being entrusted with greater responsibility boosts their motivation to excel. By acknowledging their potential and providing them with opportunities to grow, we create an environment that fosters innovation and drives the organization forward. 

In addition, promoting talented staff while they are still gaining critical experiences helps to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and serves as a catalyst for self-improvement. They are encouraged to seek knowledge, learn from their experiences, and acquire new skills to bridge the gaps in their abilities. The process of learning on the job accelerates their professional development and transforms their skills and abilities. This approach also creates a growth mindset within the organization, where everyone embraces the idea that growth is a journey rather than a destination.

This approach also pushes them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions. Without the safety net of complete expertise, they are compelled to tap into their creativity and resourcefulness to tackle new challenges. It nurtures an environment where diverse perspectives and fresh ideas thrive, leading to breakthrough innovations. Furthermore, many employees possess untapped skills and talents that are not reflected in their current roles. Placing them in positions of higher responsibility creates opportunities for them to showcase their true abilities and contribute at a higher level. It allows organizations to tap into a deeper pool of talent and provides individuals with the chance to reach their full potential.

When organizations take a leap of faith and promote employees earlier than anticipated, it demonstrates trust in their abilities and potential. This act of belief can have a profound impact on employee self-confidence, morale and loyalty. Knowing that their organization is invested in their growth and development fosters a deep sense of connection among staff members. They become more engaged, committed, and willing to go the extra mile, knowing that their efforts are recognized and rewarded. This trust also strengthens the bond between employees and their supervisors, facilitating effective collaboration and open communication.

Ultimately, in a work world that demands constant adaptation and innovation, organizations cannot afford to play it safe when it comes to talent development. By promoting staff into roles and responsibilities before they are quite ready, we create an environment that thrives on motivation, learning, and creativity. This approach not only benefits the individuals who are given the chance to grow but also fuels the progress and success of the organization as a whole. So, let's embrace this growth catalyst and empower our team members to reach new heights, knowing that the rewards will far outweigh the risks.