In order for our organization to grow and for our colleagues to advance their careers, it is important we give them the resources to do so. One way we have done this is through the implementation of our Performance Growth System (PGS) which started in 2021. This program started with the goal to help each team member achieve what is most important to them, both in their personal and professional lives, and to create a clear path on how to achieve these goals.
After months of developing and testing the PGS model, we gained a better understanding of the priorities of our colleagues when it comes to career development. We took this feedback to identify areas of the model that could be improved to meet the needs of our team members. Once the program was ironed out, we set aside time with each manager and their team members to give an overview of the program and introduced them to the PGS tracker, which would be a tool for them to use throughout the program.
The PGS tracker consists of different exercises for the team member and their manager to utilize when evaluating areas where they are excelling and areas where there is room for growth. These exercises serve as a tool to reflect on the colleagues’ efforts in contributing to the success of the agency through their role and their commitment to our company values. They also allow our colleagues the time to reflect on their career progression as a whole, recognizing their successes over a six to twelve month period and ways they can continue to grow.
While many growth and review systems utilize the regimented annual review model, the PGS takes a different approach by encouraging weekly to monthly check-ins between the colleague and their manager. This allows for consistent communication and feedback leading to accelerated growth both for the colleague and the team as a whole. This is what one colleague had to say about their experience using the PGS.
“I came into my role with a lot of room for growth and the PGS has enabled me to do just that. The structure allows me to look toward long-term goals and implement weekly action items to achieve these goals. Through commitment to the PGS, I have seen myself grow exponentially over the last couple of years and I am confident that I would not be where I am in my career without it. This program has provided guidance and accountability as I continue to grow in different areas of my role.”
The PGS Program has played a vital role in the growth of our organization. It has been used as a recruiting tool when attracting top talent to our agency and has served as the catalyst to career growth across all colleagues who utilize it to its full potential. Our number one goal is to be a great employer and programs such as the PGS, which prioritize our colleagues and their career growth, are important factors in achieving that goal each year.
