This coaching tip was originally published in the Coaching for Excellence newsletter.
People naturally gravitate towards people who share their ambitions, goals, interests, and values. This is why you’ll see concentrated groups of talent in cities. Tech in Silicon Valley. Finance in New York City. Entertainment in Los Angeles. Architects in Atlanta. The best talent attracts more ambitious talent. They often operate as gratis ambassadors for their team or location.
Great talent goes where it is sharpened. Where their skills are challenged and nurtured. They choose their mentors, location, and employers. The most visible examples are entertainers. Athletes who want to play for specific coaches or with specific teammates. Actors who want to work with specific directors or peers.
Things which are alike naturally draw near to one another.
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What does nurturing talent and challenging their growth look like in your business? Is it built into your culture and supported through annual planning and the employee experience? In the Team Weekly Memo, I share how this simple weekly touchpoint provides performance tips and industry news to encourage career growth.
If great talent is suppressed or stops seeing a path for growth, they leave. This is why Tom Brady left the Patriots. This is why Nick Saban chose to retire. This is why businesses move to Austin, TX, Miami, FL, Nashville, TN, and other business-friendly locations. It may also have been the reason why you started your business.
Growth means different things to different people. Talking with each team member will help you learn their desires and what’s important to them.
Great talent has a low tolerance for mediocrity from peers and leadership. Mediocrity slows their growth and feels like an anchor holding them back. Defining standards and holding everyone accountable are critical to an environment where everyone is pushing each other forward. Where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow and prove your capabilities.
Great talent pushes me and keeps me on my toes. Reminding me not to get comfortable. What are you doing to sharpen the talent on your team?
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