Development Guide

There is more to development than simply attending a training course. Development activities need not always be time consuming and costly and take people away from their work. Many work experiences can be turned into learning opportunities, and these can often be the most valuable since they are obviously related to the job, are part of the normal working environment and can have an immediate effect on the individual and the company. There are several ways in which knowledge, skills and associated competencies can be developed.

Knowledge and Skills

The knowledge, skills, and, in some cases, experience required to perform well in a job: such attributes include technical know-how, business understanding and relevant experience.

Technical Know-How

• Coaching provided by a technically competent manager.
• Working alongside a more experienced person.
• Involvement in project work.
• Identifying tasks which will be technically stretching.
• Visiting an 'expert' area.
• Becoming involved with an appropriate professional body - e.g. the CII or one of its local institutes, such as the Insurance Institute of London (IIL).
• Completing a relevant learning package.
• Writing an article for a newspaper or magazine.
• Teaching / coaching less knowledgeable people.

Business / Commercial Understanding

• Becoming involved in issues outside immediate work area.
• Coaching by the senior manager.
• Developing a network inside and outside the organisation.
• Involvement in project work.
• Reading: newspaper business pages.
• Becoming actively involved in a business organisation e.g. Chamber of Commerce, the IIL or an LMA panel or committee.
• Part-time study.

Relevant Experience

• Secondment in an area which will broaden experience.
• Managing a project.
• Standing in for more senior colleagues during absence.

Achievement, Drive, Initiative and Service Orientation

These attributes concern demonstrating clear evidence of 'getting things done', taking the initiative and striving to do things better, faster and more efficiently.

• Look for ways to improve the efficiency / effectiveness of your department.
• Monitor the use of your time: e.g. keep a time log and analyse it.
• Set yourself (and your department) clear measurable targets.
• Recognise and reward achievements.
• Proof read letters and reports.
• Walk the job.
• Use your network to find out how others are doing things.
• Initiate an improvement project in your work area.
• Volunteer to take on a challenging piece of work.
• Ask internal / external customers about their satisfaction with the service they receive.
• Analyse / evaluate the service you receive from suppliers.
• Find ways of improving the value to customers of products or services.
• Develop a new product or service.

Strategic Thinking & Independent Judgement

This quality concerns the ability to understand what needs to be done, plan effectively and resolve problems, often complex, through the effective use of applied knowledge and creative thinking.

• Set aside time for long-term planning.
• Attend meetings which will broaden understanding.
• Become involved in issues outside the immediate work area.
• Manage a technical project.
• Teach / coach less knowledgeable people.
• Work on projects with people who are renowned for their thinking ability.
• Prepare a detailed plan: e.g. annual business plan.
• Complete a relevant distance learning package.
• Write an article for a newspaper or magazine.
• Part-time study.
• Become involved with an appropriate professional body.
• Use analytical / creative techniques to try to resolve an old problem.

Impact & Influence, Collaboration & Leadership

These criteria denote the ability to understand the various operating relationships that exist within the organisation; having the skill and sensitivity to influence and persuade people within, and involved with, the organisation and to build effective, sustained working relationships.

This quality also includes the ability to lead, direct, develop and motivate others.

• Practise 'active listening' / creating a rapport with the speaker.
• List the strengths and weaknesses of each of your staff.
• Become involved in cross-functional project work.
• Develop a network inside and outside the organisation.
• Take on a coaching role.
• Attend presentations and make a note of how key points were made.
• Develop / extend a relationship with your manager or a customer.
• Identify the main outside interests of your colleagues.
• Make efforts to sound people out.
• Plan how you are going to get your ideas accepted.
• Hold regular group meetings with staff and re-emphasise the department's purpose, ensuring everyone understands their role.
• Involve staff as a group in annual planning, positioning yourself clearly as the leader.
• Walk the job and show an interest in colleagues and their work.
• Use performance appraisal to ensure that people are clear about what is expected of them.
• Complete a relevant distance learning package.
• Secondment to another department.
• Take on a high profile role outside work: e.g. school governor, sports coach, community mentor or club official.