© Stuart Miles | Dreamstime.com

What percentage of people in organisations do you think are under-utilised? Whilst you may not know the exact percentage, you probably sense the number is quite high.

Optimising capability

Capability is optimised when the level of challenge matches capability. This balance creates a sense of flow and results in effective decision making. Under-utilisation exists when a person’s capability exceeds their current level of work challenge. This leads to boredom, frustration and anxiety. Similarly, over-extension causes worry, anxiety, perplexity etc.

Growth in capability  

Capability of individuals grows at different but broadly predictable rates. This means that as individuals mature, they are able to take on more responsibility and make more effective decisions.

Creating a constant flow of challenges requiring people to operate slightly out of their comfort zone, is the ultimate goal. With the necessary support, this is where the magic happens.

A success story  

I recently met Peter (the name has been changed), a qualified trade person working in an organisation under-going significant growth. He had a number of special characteristics including specialist technical skills, the ability to communicate well and provide instruction to new staff members. Peter had little interest in following a supervisory pathway however wanted to make a meaningful contribution.

It was agreed to use him as a part-time coach. He was provided with a coaching toolkit and some instruction that supported the delivery of specific goals. The toolkit included the steps, skills and enabling tools to be a successful coach. He received a coaching plan that balanced his work and coaching contributions.

Within a month, Peter had the best performing team in the business. The overall impact of the change on Peter and the team was dramatic.

I believe there are many ‘Peters’ out there. The challenge is to identify them and provide them with the right tools to succeed.

What percentage of people in organisations do you think are under-utilised? Whilst you may not know the exact percentage, you probably sense the number is quite high.

Optimising capability

Capability is optimised when the level of challenge matches capability. This balance creates a sense of flow and results in effective decision making. Under-utilisation exists when a person’s capability exceeds their current level of work challenge. This leads to boredom, frustration and anxiety. Similarly, over-extension causes worry, anxiety, perplexity etc.

Growth in capability  

Capability of individuals grows at different but broadly predictable rates. This means that as individuals mature, they are able to take on more responsibility and make more effective decisions.

Creating a constant flow of challenges requiring people to operate slightly out of their comfort zone, is the ultimate goal. With the necessary support, this is where the magic happens.

A success story  

I recently met Peter (the name has been changed), a qualified trade person working in an organisation under-going significant growth. He had a number of special characteristics including specialist technical skills, the ability to communicate well and provide instruction to new staff members. Peter had little interest in following a supervisory pathway however wanted to make a meaningful contribution.

It was agreed to use him as a part-time coach. He was provided with a coaching toolkit and some instruction that supported the delivery of specific goals. The toolkit included the steps, skills and enabling tools to be a successful coach. He received a coaching plan that balanced his work and coaching contributions.

Within a month, Peter had the best performing team in the business. The overall impact of the change on Peter and the team was dramatic.

I believe there are many ‘Peters’ out there. The challenge is to identify them and provide them with the right tools to succeed.