I gotta admit the older I get, the new hires just keep looking younger and younger. I used the be one saying “that was the year I was born” when people say when they started working or graduated. The tables have finally turned & I get to see a new perspective. (Literally the other day it was my coworkers birthday. She was born the same year I graduated high school!!). I am not that old…I swear…lol
Alright, back to the point here. The young hires that have potential are what we would call “Young Eagles.” Why eagle? Because they have potential to soar in your company. That potential is what will be the future of the company if you can provide the right environment for them.
How can you provide the right environment that retains these young eagles:
- Don’t clip their wings: If you don’t give them a place they can learn and grow, they will go somewhere else to fly. Give them a platform to be able to highlight their skills and abilities. Allow them to show what they can bring to the company.
- Be strategic: Understand where their passions are. Allow them opportunities to explore what interests them. Assign a mentor. Give them a path that they can follow to grow and move within the company. Be strategic with letting them know they have a future with the company.
- Empower them: Let them try and fail without getting in trouble. Teach them the “why” behind the “what.” They will learn so much more this way. Plus they will probably find better ways to do the what if they understand why the information is needed.
Here is a tough question to ask yourself as a leader:
When it comes to decision meetings or important meetings. Are you “keeping them in the loop” or are you allowing them “a seat at the table?” Now they can’t be in all the management meetings, but when it comes to something they are directly involved in or have knowledge that would help. Invite them for at least the beginning part to highlight their knowledge. This will give them a sense of how much you appreciate them. If you are always just keeping them in the loop, they may feel like they are not good enough or even that you are taking credit for their idea or work.
Bring these young eagles along with you as you learn. Teach them and mentor them. You will be surprised by how quickly they can learn and grow. Teach them to soar to make not only your job as the leader easier, but make your company better.