Career growth can no longer follow a one-size-fits-all path. Employees are seeking more than just promotions – they want meaningful development, purpose-driven opportunities, and support that reflects their individuality. To truly reimagine career growth, organizations must embrace a fresh, human-centered strategy that engages people at every level.
Here's how to bring this vision to life.
1. Personalize the Approach
Career growth should be as unique as the individuals pursuing it. Begin by recognizing that success looks different for everyone. Some employees may aspire to leadership roles, while others seek mastery in technical skills or lateral mobility into new functions. Use assessments, goal-setting sessions, and coaching to help team members identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations. When growth plans are tailored to the individual, engagement and retention naturally improve.
2. Create a Supportive Environment
A reimagined approach to career growth thrives in an environment where curiosity, experimentation, and development are encouraged. Leaders should model vulnerability by sharing their own growth journeys and normalizing the idea that career evolution is ongoing and non-linear. Provide access to mentors, job shadowing, and cross-functional projects to support development.
By encouraging a growth mindset and fostering a culture that values continuous learning and growth, motivating employees to embrace new challenges, you will create a supportive environment.
3. Highlight the Benefits
Change becomes more appealing when the benefits are clear and tangible. Share stories of individuals who have grown within your organization, highlighting both their personal achievements and the positive impact on their teams or the company as a whole. Emphasize that career development leads to increased confidence, adaptability, and a stronger talent pipeline.
By showcasing the advantages of nonlinear career growth and continuous skills development such as greater visibility, stronger relationships, enhanced talent mobility, diversified skills, increased adaptability, job security, higher earning potential, and deeper business acumen you help individuals understand how these efforts boost their personal brand and overall marketability.
4. Address Concerns and Provide Ongoing Support
Some employees may feel hesitant about change or unclear on what options are available. Be proactive in addressing fears like fear of failure, lack of time, or uncertainty about qualifications. Equip managers to have supportive development conversations and provide resources like learning stipends, coaching, or career labs.
5. Invite Others to Share Their Stories
Finally, invite others to be part of the transformation. Encourage employees to share their experiences with career growth – what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned. These authentic voices create community and inspire others to explore their potential.
6. Share Real-Life Examples
Share real-life examples of colleagues who successfully advanced their career with nonlinear development to gain new experiences or transition across roles, departments, or organizations and how it contributed to their career growth.
Reimagining career growth is not just a program; it’s a mindset shift. By personalizing the approach, building supportive environments, showcasing impact, addressing concerns, and sharing real stories, organizations can foster a culture where growth feels both possible and powerful.
ASE Connect
ASE members have access to McLean & Company’s blueprint: Reimagine Career Growth. McLean & Company can be accessed via the ASE Member Dashboard. If you need assistance, please contact Dana Weidinger.
Source: McLean & Company blueprint: Reimagine Career Growth