You may remember the old 80-20 Rule – it’s alive and well in the way that most managers manage their employees. Many think that only 20% of their direct reports are of ‘go-to’ caliber.

Even with Covid19 creating a new normal for workplaces all over the world, an old manager-model that Jack Welsh made popular many years ago at GE (that 20% of the employees are in the top performance category, 70% are in the middle range, and 10% are at the bottom) is still a management philosophy that is widely accepted today.

But this approach is holding organizations back from leveraging the full potential of their workforce. Time have definitely changed and it makes good business sense to change your view about developing your people. There are things you can do right now to keep up with the times and develop your workforce effectively in today’s ‘invent as you go’ business climate.

• Increase performance levels and raise the expectation level of everyone who is who work for you.
• Make assignments strategically, providing people with opportunities and the managerial support they need to accomplish them.
• Coach all of your employees more frequently. Shorter and more frequent virtual ‘touching base’ is an essential part of success here.
• Encourage some risk taking. Reassure people that creativity is not just desired from them but expected.
• Reward those who demonstrate the success, skills and strategies you are looking for.
• Broaden the talent of every person on your staff/on the team. Now is the time to invest on people (and invest in their development)
• Connect development (training) directly to achievement.

When you help people connect the dots from performance standards to increased expectations to training to accomplishment, you are making a case that your organization’s leadership understands – ROI.

Investing in the development and training of your employees now makes perfect sense. Periods of change can be when the most exciting and innovative ideas take root.

Nationally recognized consultant, trainer, author and professional speaker Joni Daniels is Principal of Daniels & Associates, a management consulting practice that specializes in developing people in the areas of leadership and management, interpersonal effectiveness and efficiency, skill- building, and organizational development interventions. With over 30 years of experience, she is a sought after resource for Fortune 500 clients, professional organizations, higher education, media outlets and business publications. Joni can be reached at http://jonidaniels.com