In our industry, we spend our days helping clients find and hire great talent. However, those same clients are often unsure about what to do after they’ve hired talent. They may excel at the hiring process and have a solid onboarding program, but then leave the new teammate on their own to develop from there. Companies that not only hire well but also nurture their team’s growth and potential are the ones that truly thrive. It all comes down to creating a culture of learning. Much like a high-level athlete, this requires a growth-focused mindset committed to continuous improvement. I’m going to lay out what, in my view, are the most critical steps that leaders need to take in order to encourage their direct reports to develop the next level of talent:

• Get a coach – Anyone that wants to get better needs a coach. Often multiple coaches. I have a sales coach; an operations coach and I spend my days helping coach others. Allow those coaches into your world to gain another perspective and be open to their feedback.
• Be willing to learn – This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people claim they want to move up the ladder but then say things like “I don’t like to read” or “I don’t have time” when it comes to self-improvement. Those who achieve the highest levels of success invest in personal growth, both physically and mentally. Embrace the discipline it takes to develop consistent learning habits.
• Get good at the basics – It’s easy to forget the importance of getting good at the fundamentals. Even professionals at the highest levels spend time each day on basic drills because they recognize the foundation they provide. When I attend a training session on a topic I should already know, I always come away with a nugget or two and a reminder of the things I need to keep working on. Be humble enough to continue growing in fundamental areas.
• Improve mental self – While it’s vital to maintain physical health through proper diet and sleep, we often neglect our mental well-being. Invest in techniques for self-talk and mental fitness, just like you invest in physical fitness. The best individuals spend time learning to create excellent habits that enhance their thinking, practice meditation, and boost their mindset.
• Be willing to do more than the standard – Average means you’re just like everyone else. The best in any field consistently go above and beyond. This means more activity, additional time dedicated to learning, and a commitment to creating a winning process. Remember, standards are just that—average. Ask anyone who excels at something, and they’ll tell you that they focus on what’s crucial and do more than what’s expected.
• Have a plan – Anything worth doing at a high level requires a well-thought-out plan and a structured process. “Plan your work and work your plan” is a common saying for a reason. Regardless of your industry or field, if you don’t take the time to set clear goals, create plans, and regularly review them, your long-term success will be limited.
• Review success and failure regularly – Speak to any successful individual in professional sports, the military, or business, and they’ll tell you that they regularly review what went right and what went wrong. They take note of changes and adjust their plans accordingly. They aim to repeat their successes and understand that failure is just part of the process. They know they won’t win every time.

My hope is that these suggestions help you reflect on how you approach learning and how you can lead your team to the next level. I’d love to hear about your successes! As a friend of mine says daily, “Be Great!”