❔Basic definition

<aside> 💡 This is about getting to know your team deeply. It involves building strong relationships with your team members, gaining insight into their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and aspirations, and using this knowledge to support their professional growth and maximise their contributions to the team's success. You’ll need to practice and flex your communication, empathy and active listening skills here. TLDR, how would you want your manager to treat and get to know you?

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🌈 Why we care about it?

<aside> 💡 If you don’t understand your team’s motivations, ways of working, how they individually learn best, how they like to receive feedback and their skills and career goals you are going to have a tough time being a great people manager.

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How to Approach This

Firstly it’s super important to understand and recognise your own biases. Check out ‣ first and have a read of ‣

💌 Build Strong Relationships

• Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to check in on team member’s well-being and progress.
• Show genuine interest in their personal and professional lives.
• Create an open and trusting environment where team members feel comfortable sharing.

💪 Understand Individual Strengths and Weaknesses

• Conduct regular assessments to identify each team member's strengths and areas for improvement.
• Use tools like StrengthsFinder or Myers-Briggs to gain deeper insights.
• Provide opportunities for team members to leverage their strengths in their roles.

🎯 Learn Their Motivations and Aspirations

• Have discussions about their career goals and aspirations.
• Understand what motivates them—whether it's recognition, growth opportunities, or challenging projects.
• Align their tasks and projects with their interests and career goals whenever possible.

📢 Enhance Communication Skills

• Practice active listening—pay attention, ask questions, and clarify understanding.