Welcome to the unit on understanding career aspirations. Mastering the skills in this unit will enable you to support your team members by aligning their work with their career goals, fostering a more motivated and engaged workforce. By exploring their past experiences and future ambitions, you’ll be able to identify opportunities that drive their professional growth and satisfaction.

Understanding what your team members have enjoyed and excelled at in the past is crucial. Begin by asking open-ended questions such as "What previous projects have you found most fulfilling?" or "What types of challenges do you enjoy tackling?" These questions will prompt your team members to reflect and articulate what makes their work enjoyable and rewarding.

• Jake: So, Nova, can you tell me about a project you really enjoyed working on in the past?
• Nova: I really liked working on the platform project last year. The challenge of integrating different systems was quite fulfilling.
• Jake: What aspects specifically did you find fulfilling about it?
• Nova: I enjoyed the problem-solving part and the collaboration with other teams.

Jake's questions help Nova reflect on a positive past experience, allowing him to understand what aspects of her work she values the most.

Understanding where your team members see themselves in the future can help you support their career trajectory effectively. Consider asking questions like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" or "Are there any particular skills or roles you're interested in exploring?" These conversations will provide you with invaluable insights, allowing you to align their current roles and responsibilities with their long-term goals.

• Jake: Where do you see yourself in five years, Nova?
• Nova: I am considering moving into a leadership role, maybe a team lead or project manager.
• Jake: That’s great to hear. Are there any specific skills or areas you’d like to develop to prepare for that transition?
• Nova: I think developing my project management and leadership skills would be essential.

By asking these forward-looking questions, Jake gains insight into Nova's ambitions, setting the stage for meaningful career development.

After understanding their past experiences and future goals, the next step is to identify development opportunities that align with their aspirations. Explain how certain tasks or projects can serve as stepping stones toward their career goals. For example, if someone aspires to be a team lead, you might involve them in project planning or mentorship roles to build relevant skills.

• Jake: Given your interest in leadership, how about taking the lead on the upcoming security project? It would be a great opportunity to develop your project management skills.
• Nova: That sounds interesting, but I’m concerned about the workload.
• Jake: I understand. We can make sure you have the resources and support you need to manage it effectively.

Jake identifies an opportunity that aligns with Nova's career goals and ensures she's supported, balancing ambition with realistic management of her workload.

By exploring past experiences, inquiring about future goals, and identifying development opportunities, you will be well-equipped to support your team members in their career growth, making your 1-1 meetings more productive and meaningful.

Up next are role-play sessions to help you practice these crucial skills in realistic scenarios.