Earlier today, Customer Success Team Member Juliana Withers hosted September’s Truvelop User Community Lunch and Learn about Sharing Holistic Team Member Support. Collaborating with Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, Inc.’s Andrea Grant, the women explored why it is important to share holistic support, what it looks like to share holistic support at different levels, the different stressors and trends that are being seen and felt across the country, and lastly how Truvelop users can share holistic support in the app. With so many stressors being seen and felt across the country, it is time to reconsider how we support our Team Members.
Over-Communicate, Actively Listen, Empathize
Throughout the Lunch and Learn, we saw several themes arise surrounding the way that we communicate. Whether it is virtual coaching, processing current events, or modeling flexibility, our users honed in on three different ways that we show our support for the whole individual, versus just who they are and what they do at work.
- Over-Communicate: At a time where our world feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up, it is more important than ever that we over-communicate. When sharing feedback about performance, Managers should be clear in what exactly the Team Member is doing well, where there is room for improvement, and how they should make the positive change. Following up with an affirmation or additional coaching shows the Team Member that you recognize and appreciate their work, keeping them engaged. Especially in a remote environment, Managers should take the extra time to follow-up and check-in with the Team Member to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Actively Listen: Active Listening is the foundation of every meaningful touchpoint, and yet is still underutilized. With so many other things pulling our minds, it is easy to lose focus when talking with a Team Member. To help keep us engaged, Managers can prepare for the touchpoint by reviewing the Individual Development Plan, the Team Member’s Dashboard, or complete one of the many discussion guides found in the Knowledge Center. When we go into a conversation with objectives, we can better stay focused and stay on track.
- Empathize: According to a recent study published by Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, empathy is a top desired skill. With such a war on talent, it is essential that we prioritize the employee experience and understand what exactly motivates and inspires a Team Member, or what is currently standing in the way of their success. Understanding the why behind their behaviors and performance will make a major difference in how we collaborate with our teams and can determine how we well we retain our employees.
Our world is rapidly shifting and evolving, leaving individuals stressed and looking for direction. As Managers, we can listen and advocate for our Team Members, helping them to have a meaningful work experience that leaves them feeling valued and satisfied. Whether it is from the organization, team, or individual level, having a holistic approach to support can help everyone to feel connected and appreciated.
Contact us today to learn more about our modern approach to performance management and development that actually improves the manager and employee relationship. Don’t just take our word for it, see what our Customers have to say.
