[aHr #13] impactful personal development approach towards horizontal career path
Shift the corporate HR function from a transactional focus to one of enablement, benefiting business agility by transitioning to a more resourceful human centered Enablement Agency.
This series shed a perspective on the past, present & future challenges in the world of Human Resources. What is expected of HR in terms of enabling flexibility, collaboration, speed and adaptability rather than delivering programs, policies and strict rules?
Howto cooperate with the rest of the business to deliver value with the business instead of to the business? Howto tweak our ways of working from process to purposeful impact…
As we’re crafting an effective program for Agility in HR we’ll include evolutionary insights and invite your feedback in the comments.
TL;DR
Howto ditch the boring career ladder for a dynamic jungle gym?
Employees could learn new capabilities & interests by swinging into new roles, bringing fresh ideas and boosting innovation. Let's explore Dynamic Reteaming patterns as a process. Dora and Steve’s daring move turned the workplace into a fun, flexible, and future-proof playground. No more monotonous career coercion, but an invitation to shuffle between endless… 🌟
At Unison, change was on the horizon. Dora, the HR Business Partner, and Steve, the Talent Development Specialist, were at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in career development. Recognizing that the traditional vertical career ladder was no longer meeting the evolving needs of both the workforce and the business, they embarked on a transformative journey to embrace horizontal growth. This is the story of how Unison unlocked a new realm of possibilities, fostering innovation, creativity, and personal development within the organization.
Embracing Horizontal Growth
Dora and Steve understood that the future of work required a more dynamic and multifaceted approach to career development. Rather than confining employees to linear career paths, they envisioned a culture where individuals could explore opportunities beyond their immediate functional roles. This new approach, known as horizontal growth, aimed to empower employees to diversify their skill sets and gain broader business insights. By doing so, they would not only enhance their personal growth but also contribute to the overall strength and agility of Unison .
Unlocking New Possibilities
One of the first employees to benefit from this new approach was Elena. Previously confined to a specific department, Elena was eager to explore new areas of the business. Through horizontal growth, she was able to transition into different roles, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. This not only enriched her personal development but also brought fresh perspectives and ideas to her new teams. Elena's journey exemplified the transformative power of horizontal growth, showcasing how employees could thrive by stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new challenges.
Fostering Innovation and Creativity
As more employees like Elena embraced horizontal growth, Unison began to see a significant shift in the organizational culture. The cross-pollination of knowledge and expertise led to a surge in innovation and creativity. Employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences were better equipped to tackle complex challenges and devise innovative solutions. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, as individuals shared their insights and skills with their colleagues. The result was a dynamic and forward-thinking workforce that could adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the telecommunications industry.
Improved Retention and Career Flexibility
One of the most notable outcomes of embracing horizontal growth was the significant boost in employee retention rates. By providing opportunities for employees to explore new roles within the organization, Dora and Steve created a culture of career flexibility. Employees no longer felt the need to leave the company to pursue their career aspirations. Instead, they could embark on new journeys within Unison, continuously learning and growing. This not only improved retention but also fostered a deep sense of loyalty and commitment among the workforce.
Future Growth Potential
As employees delved into new areas of the business, many discovered passions and talents they had not previously considered. This opened up a world of possibilities for their continued development and advancement within Unison. Employees who had started in technical roles found themselves excelling in project management, while those from marketing discovered a knack for data analysis. By embracing horizontal growth, Unison created a pipeline of versatile and adaptable talent, ready to take on future challenges and drive the company's success.
The impact of horizontal growth on Unison was profound. Employees who ventured into new departments and functional areas brought with them a wealth of cross-functional knowledge and expertise. This not only benefited the individuals but also enriched the entire organization. The exchange of ideas and skills led to the development of innovative solutions that would not have been possible within siloed teams. Moreover, the collaborative environment fostered by horizontal growth encouraged employees to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles.
How did they roll this out?
They introduced Dynamic Reteaming patterns (by Heidi Helfand) into the team dynamics (inspired by Tuckman), considering the interested career developer as a new hire; growing into a cycle from birth/forming through adolescence/storming & norming via mature performing into creative destruction/adjourning.
Hands-on patterns to try out in each specific context.
Dora and Steve's journey to transform career development at Unison has been a resounding success. By embracing horizontal growth and empowering employees to chart their own course, they have created a dynamic and future-proof workforce. Unison is now equipped with a team of versatile and adaptable individuals, ready to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace. The success of this transformation lies not only in the personal growth of the employees but also in the strengthened organizational culture. As Unison continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this journey will serve as a guiding light, inspiring continued innovation, creativity, and personal development.
In the end, the journey of horizontal growth at Unison is a testament to the power of adaptability and the endless possibilities that arise when employees are empowered to explore new horizons.
Elena, with a clear head, a thirst for knowledge, and the HR supportive environment by her side, knew she was more than ready to take the leap and explore the possibilities that awaited her beyond the confines of the traditional career ladder.
Dora and Steve have not only transformed career development but have also paved the way for a brighter, more dynamic future for Unison and its workforce.
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