Developing Subordinate Skills

According to Yukl Leadership Behavior article, it mentions about certain behavior theories. One of those theories includes, Developing Subordinate Skills.

Developing Subordinate Skills includes some key component behaviors, which include mentoring, coaching, and providing developmental opportunities. In simpler terms, this is a theory based on mentoring with a peer, a colleague, or even with a new inexperienced boss.

This behavior theory becomes very important in the development of young professionals but more important in students like myself. Having a subordinate to guide and mentor an individual, allows them to learn at a new capacity and understand specific things, than otherwise. This can be seen almost in every organization with new hires. Leaders usually place the new hire with a peer or someone that is experienced in the field of study. To allow the new hire to gain all the skills needed to complete the job. Overtime, the new hire feels comfortable with the peer and begins a mentorship throughout their time in the organization. This allows for innovation and changes to occur. This is very important for an organization to be successful. This directly reflects the idea of change-oriented leadership behavior which influences innovation, collective learning, and the successful implementation of major changes in an organization.

Mentoring is not just beneficial for the individual receiving the skills but also for the subordinate themselves. It allow for a collaboration of ideas and thoughts which one can play off one another. They support one another in any capacity and help the individual reach their goals and visions due to this support.

This directly relates to the Hedgehog Concept according to the book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. According to this concept it is based on the key to understanding what your organization can be the best in the world at, and equally important what it cannot be the best at. The basis is an understanding, not a strategic decision or goal made by a specific individual or company. This relates to mentoring because it is an understanding of one self or an individual on what areas that need improvement or an opportunity to work on. Figuring out what they are passionate about, what they can be the best in the world at, and what drives ones economic engine. This is the basis of trying to learn about opportunities or specific ways to help someone.

Someone like myself can apply these theories in the workplace. Finding someone with the same values and morals but are able to support the individual in any task is going to be sufficient. Then ask if they could be a mentor. Once the mentoring relationship is created, have weekly to monthly meetings updating one another on their progress. Helping them on any new projects or just needing advice with life. This mentoring relationship can be developed in any industry and very key to a successful individual. It is about providing that individual with opportunities to further their development in life and their career.

Training is what I am passionate about, so using these theories as the basis of any training will not only be beneficial for the individual but help my training processes and styles for the future. This concept is based on the people-oriented behavior which clearly explains supporting, developing, and recognizing are key traits. To be successful in mentoring a leadership style based on Theory Y is required. This allows the individual to make decisions and exercise self direction and responsibility. In a sense that is exactly what I did. I found my niche and currently learning how to master it. Training and mentoring in a continual thing and that is what I am continuing to learn each and every day.