Latest news with #leader
Fast Company
5 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
What your team really wants (hint: it's not always a promotion)
A leader recently told me about her dilemma: Her top performer of four years was asking about advancement opportunities, but with frozen budgets and no open positions, she felt powerless to help. Sound familiar? This scenario plays out everywhere. High performers hit their stride, ask 'What's next?' and managers default to the same answer: promotion. When that's not possible, both sides feel stuck. But here's what most leaders miss: When employees ask about advancement, they're often asking for something deeper—to be seen, valued, and recognized for their contributions. For decades, organizations have made promotion the primary symbol of professional success. It's become our go-to way of saying 'your work matters.' But this creates problems when budgets freeze: managers feel powerless, and employees feel invisible. The solution isn't finding more money for promotions. It's separating recognition from title changes. The S Curve of Growth Framework Instead of thinking about career development as a ladder (up or nothing), I encourage leaders to think about it as a learning curve—specifically, what I call the S Curve of Growth. Every skill, project, or responsibility follows this predictable S-shaped pattern: Launch Point: You're at the base of the S, where learning feels slow but you're building crucial foundations. Sweet Spot: The steep middle of the S, where you gain confidence and competence. Progress feels exponential. Mastery: The top plateau of the S, where you've reached high performance but growth levels off. The S Curve of Growth gives you and your employees a shared language for career conversations. Instead of 'I need a promotion,' the conversation becomes 'I'm reaching mastery on my project management S Curve—what new curve should I start climbing?' Making This Work in Practice The most effective leaders using this approach: Make development ongoing, not annual. Replace yearly reviews with regular check-ins. Ask employees where they see themselves on different learning curves and what support they need to progress. Let employees drive their growth. Using the S Curve framework, stop dictating development paths. Ask: 'Which of your S Curves do you want to accelerate? What new curve interests you?' Then create opportunities around their answers. Recognize progress publicly. Acknowledge when someone moves from struggling with a new system to training others on it. Call out when they take on a challenging project. Make their growth visible. The Bottom Line Growth doesn't require promotions. A software developer can master new programming languages, mentor junior colleagues, or lead cross-functional projects—all without a title change. A marketing manager can expand into data analytics, build vendor relationships, or develop content strategy expertise. When you help employees map their growth across multiple S Curves, you solve two problems: they feel recognized and engaged, and you build a more versatile, capable team. Everyone wins, even when the org chart stays frozen.
RNZ News
22-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Cook Islands PM to blame for fallout with NZ
The leader of the United Party in the Cook Islands is blaming his Prime Minister for New Zealand's foreign minister and Prime Minister not attending constitutional celebrations.
UAE Moments
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♈ Aries Daily Horoscope for July 22, 2025
Big Aries energy meets big decisions. Are you ready to choose your next adventure? Today's vibe is bold, fiery, and full of potential—just the way you like it. The universe is handing you the mic, but what you say next could set the tone for the rest of your month. Choose your words (and your battles) wisely. Career: You're feeling ambitious, and it's a good day to pitch that idea or take the lead in meetings. Just be sure you're listening as much as you're speaking. Collaboration will earn you more respect than domination. Love: Your charm is magnetic right now, and someone definitely notices. If you're single, don't be afraid to make the first move. In a relationship? Surprise your partner with something spontaneous—they'll love your fiery unpredictability. Body: Time to burn off that excess energy! A fast-paced workout (or even a mini dance party) can help release some tension and improve your focus. You'll feel more grounded afterward. Mental Health: You might be a little impatient today, especially if things aren't moving fast enough for your liking. Breathe. Control what you can, and don't spiral about the rest.
The Guardian
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
David Squires on … trophy-loving Trump crashing Chelsea's Club World Cup party
Our cartoonist on the US president's central role in the final of a tournament that seemed like it would never end
UAE Moments
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♒ Aquarius Daily Horoscope for July 12, 2025
Today, you're unpredictable in the best way and your originality is basically a superpower. Aquarius, July 12 is sparking up your inner genius and giving your social side a refresh. The universe is nudging you to break the routine, flip the script, and casually surprise everyone (including yourself). Expect lightbulb moments, unexpected messages, and maybe a mini epiphany about your next move. 🔮 Ideas Incoming, Disruption Inevitable You're thinking at warp speed today and it shows. Your offbeat thoughts? Totally on-point. Don't over-edit your ideas right now. What seems 'too weird' at first glance might be the exact thing that stands out. Innovation isn't just a mood, it's your method. Aquarius Tip: Say the bold idea out loud. It might spark the change everyone else is waiting for. 💼 Career & Money: Visionary, Not Just Efficient You're not clocking in for mediocrity. Today's energy helps you challenge outdated processes, pitch something daring, or go rogue (strategically). You're seeing around corners and asking better questions and that's what sets you apart. Your 'what if we tried this?' is lowkey a leadership move. 💖 Love & Friendship: Oddly Perfect Moments You're not doing romance by the book and that's what makes it magical. Singles may find themselves deep in quirky banter that accidentally becomes a vibe. Partnered Aquarians? Try something new together, even if it's as small as switching up the playlist or taking a late-night walk. Flirt cue: 'Let's make today weirdly memorable. Your ideas or mine?' 🧘♀️ Mood & Vibe: Eccentric, Electric, Deeply Aligned You feel both out-of-body and laser-focused. That's very Aquarius of you. Use that spacey-yet-sharp mental energy to journal, create, or zone into something niche. The world needs your perspective, it's what keeps things interesting. Lucky Color: Icy Mint Lucky Numbers: 8 & 27 Cosmic Playlist Song: 'Ribs' – Lorde Affirmation of the Day: 'I honor my uniqueness, speak my truth, and let inspiration strike on its own terms.' 💭 Aquarius Thought for July 12: Being misunderstood just means you're ahead of your time. Keep going, revolutions start this way.
