GARTNER, INC.
-- Gartner Experts Discuss the Next Generation of Managers at the
In today's rapidly changing work environment, Connector managers are critical to helping organizations achieve long-term success, according to
Gartner experts explained that organizations that are most successful at developing their employees have focused on cultivating Connector managers, who are able to connect employees to the right people and resources at the right time.
Key issues facing HR leaders are being discussed at the Gartner ReimagineHR conference, taking place virtually in EMEA, today through tomorrow.
Gartner research found that three major tectonic shifts are adding layers of complexity for managers:
-- Growing number of business disruptions, many based on postpandemic work reaities: Managers need to support their employees through frequent business and organizational pivots.
-- Proliferation of skills across functions and roles: Gartner research shows the total number of skills required for a single job is increasing at 6% annually; many managers will not be the experts in the skills their employees need.
-- New employee values: Employees no longer want the traditional employment value proposition, instead they want a more human deal with their employers where they are recognized as people, not just workers.
"Managers play a critical role in supporting employees, but today they are experiencing a confidence crisis," said
A Gartner survey of 4,787 employees in
"Organizations need managers who can drive sustainable performance - enabling their employees' individual performance, while contributing positively to others' performance and without compromising their health," said
Gartner research reveals that sustainable performers are 17% more productive and 1.7 times more likely to stay at their organizations than other employees.
"Our research shows that by providing better support to their employees in their day-to-day tasks - and helping them grow their future career potential - Connector managers can boost employee performance by as much as 45% and improve other employee outcomes, including efficiency, skills preparedness, inclusion and intent to stay with their employer," said Roca.
Connector managers succeed in building sustainable performers by making three connections for their employees:
The Employee Connection
The employee connection is the foundation for all three connections.
Connector managers enable deeper connections with their employees by focusing on understanding employees' strengths, development areas, motivations and interests by asking questions designed to lead to action. These questions equip coaches and managers to go beyond an employee's current role and job trajectory and delve into desired personal growth. Connector managers further build trust by being transparent about the challenges they are facing, encouraging their employees to share their challenges, and then working together to manage those challenges.
The Team Connection
In times of disruption, the connections that matter most are those with the immediate teams.
Connectors build successful teams by regularly assessing and monitoring their team's health and cohesion. They build a foundation of psychological safety that creates trust, so that employees are invested in each other's well-being and success, not just their own. Connectors also empower employees to own their actions and interactions with colleagues; they realize that managers should not be solely responsible for team dynamics.
The Organization Connection
Connector managers provide coaching, feedback, and role modeling when they have the right skills, expertise or background. However, Connector managers know when they need to bring in other individuals to make the right connections for their employees.
To start, managers should build a connections map, where they identify the individuals in their network from whom their direct reports can learn. Connector managers then help their employees connect to the right individuals and opportunities and take an active role to ensure the employee is learning, applying and growing from those connections.
About the
Gartner experts will further discuss key workplace issues during the virtual
Upcoming dates and locations for the next
About the Gartner HR Practice
The Gartner HR practice brings together the best relevant content approaches across Gartner to offer individual decision makers strategic business advice on the mission-critical priorities that cut across the HR function. Additional information is available at http://www.gartner.com/en/human-resources/human-resources-leaders. Follow news and updates from the Gartner HR practice on Twitter and LinkedIn using #GartnerHR.
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