The Power of Supporting Your Employees’ Personal Dreams and Goals

Dr. Jolene Church, SCP, ICF-MCC
3 min readMar 11, 2023

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Photo credit: Shutterstock

As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running a business. It’s easy to focus on the bottom line and forget about the people who make it all happen — your employees. But what if I told you that by understanding and supporting your employees’ personal dreams and goals, you could actually improve their job performance and, in turn, increase your bottom line?

It’s a well-known fact that employees who feel valued and supported by their employer are more productive and engaged at work. But what many leaders fail to recognize is that this support should extend beyond just their job duties. By taking an active interest in your employees’ personal lives and goals, you can create a culture of trust and loyalty that translates into a more motivated and dedicated workforce.

When employees feel that their employer cares about them as individuals, they’re more likely to go above and beyond in their job performance. They’re more likely to take ownership of their work, be proactive in problem-solving, and collaborate more effectively with their colleagues. This is because they feel that they’re part of a team that genuinely cares about their well-being and success, both professionally and personally.

So how can you as a leader support your employees’ personal dreams and goals? First and foremost, it’s important to communicate with them regularly and actively listen to their interests and aspirations. By asking open-ended questions and being genuinely curious about their lives outside of work, you can gain a deeper understanding of what motivates them and how you can best support them.

From there, you can work with your employees to create development plans that align with their personal goals. This could include offering opportunities for training or mentorship, allowing flexible scheduling to accommodate outside interests, or even supporting them in pursuing a side hustle or passion project.

The key is to view your employees as whole individuals, rather than just cogs in a machine. By understanding and supporting their personal dreams and goals, you’re not only improving their job performance but also contributing to their overall happiness and well-being. This creates a positive feedback loop where employees feel valued and motivated, leading to better job performance, which in turn contributes to the success of the organization.

It’s also important to note that this approach isn’t just beneficial for the employees — it’s good for business, too. Companies that prioritize employee development and well-being tend to have lower turnover rates, higher employee satisfaction, and ultimately, higher profits. By investing in your employees’ personal growth, you’re investing in the long-term success of your organization.

In conclusion, as a leader, it’s crucial to understand and support your employees’ personal dreams and goals. By doing so, you’ll create a culture of trust and loyalty that leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. This investment in your employees’ personal growth will not only improve their job performance but also contribute to the long-term success of your organization. Remember: your employees are your most valuable asset, and by investing in them, you’re investing in the future of your business.

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Dr. Jolene Church, SCP, ICF-MCC
Dr. Jolene Church, SCP, ICF-MCC

Written by Dr. Jolene Church, SCP, ICF-MCC

Executive coach and workforce optimization consultant. Member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Best-selling author and speaker.

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