Am I growing, developing and achieving?

Do you feel a sense of achievement at work? To clarify, people have a need to transform themselves. They have a desire for growth, competence, achievement and mastery.

Engaged workers feel good about the work they do. In addition, they believe they are growing and enhancing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities. This matters because employees believe their development leads to future opportunities and progress in life goals.

Engaged workers feel competent. Therefore, they seek ways to increase that competence.

Growing is a never-ending process. When leaders support employees’ development through training, feedback and recognition, then those employees are more committed to the organization.

Additionally, having someone who takes an ongoing and personal interest in the development of an employee also nurtures engagement.

Researchers cite employee development as a dominant factor in building engagement. That is to say, most people feel more connected and committed to companies where leaders commit to their employees’ growth.

Celebrate progress to enhance engagement

Recognizing progress is as important as recognizing completion of a project. Therefore, take the time to celebrate milestones and short-term goals. Research has shown that feedback and celebration of progress—even small wins—is highly motivating and promotes engagement. Outcome feedback is important to project team performance.

Questions to evaluate achievement at work

Questions to consider when evaluating the universal Priority of Achievement at work:

• Do I receive valuable training and development opportunities?
• Do I receive feedback on my performance?
• Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
• Do I get recognition or praise for doing good work?
• Am I making progress toward goals that matter to me?