Traditional career conversations often lack structure for providing developmental direction tied to workforce plans. Managers default to generic guidance like “build your skills” or “show more leadership” without context around the competencies and experiences needed for advancement.
Career journey mapping playbooks bridge this gap by equipping managers to guide employees through actionable milestones aligned to role architecture and business priorities.
The Pitfalls of Vague Career Guidance
Well-intentioned managers try to motivate team members through growth opportunities, but unclear development advice wastes potential without specificity, such as:
“Work on expanding your skills” ...But which capabilities are strategic?
“Get some leadership experience” ...But what projects demonstrate readiness?
“Develop your strengths” ...But how do strengths ladder into our needs?
This leaves employees confused on positioning their efforts and managers equally unsure on supporting progress.
Establishing Growth Path Clarity
Journey mapping playbooks outline progressive career waypoints across technical and leadership tracks given workforce flow. Milestones provide focal points for development aligned to both employee aspirations and business requirements, spanning:
Targeted lateral moves to build expertise
Project/committee roles to expand influence
High-visibility assignments to increase exposure
Formal training in pivotal skill areas
Stretch opportunities to demonstrate readiness
Leadership behaviors to exhibit and refine
Suggested timelines for advancement based on predecessors
With journeys clear, managers can have precise dialogues around pursuing the next milestone on the path while setting expectations for positioning toward eventual promotion when prerequisites are met.
Democratizing Career Opportunity Access
Detailed playbooks provide structure for equalizing development conversations enterprise-wide rather than leaving guidance to the whims of individual managers.
With growth trajectories made visual through ability-based milestones, HR leaders can also identify barriers to advancement and intervene where needed through capability investments - expanding opportunity access.
Does this overview effective use of career journey mapping? Please share any feedback or suggestions!
Tomuz Academy
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